Shloka 19
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
वहाँ व्यूह निर्माण करनेके लिये रथ और वाहनोंसे उतरना तथा पैदल सैनिकोंको छिपाकर रखना सम्भव है। वहाँ रहकर शत्रुओंके प्रहारका जवाब दिया जा सकता है और आपत्तिके समय छिप जानेका भी सुभीता रहता है ।।
saptarṣīn pṛṣṭhataḥ kṛtvā yudhyeyur acalā iva | anena vidhinā śatrūn jigīṣetāpi durjayān ||
Bhishma said: “There one may dismount from chariots and vehicles to form the battle-array, and keep the infantry concealed. From that position one can answer the enemy’s blows, and in time of peril there is also the ease of hiding. Let the warriors fight with the Seven Sages secured behind them, standing firm like mountains. By adopting this method of battle-array and steadfast engagement, an attacking king may still hope to overcome even enemies who are otherwise hard to conquer.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadfastness and correct tactical arrangement are presented as dharmic instruments of victory: by placing a revered, stabilizing support at the rear (symbolized by the Saptarshis) and fighting without wavering, even formidable opponents can be overcome.
In Bhishma’s instruction on governance and warfare in the Shanti Parva, he advises a specific battle posture/array: keep the ‘Saptarshis’ behind as a stabilizing rear-support and engage the enemy with mountain-like firmness, thereby increasing the chance of victory against difficult foes.