Shloka 2
Jaitrya-nimitta: Signs of Prospective Victory and the Priority of Conciliation (जयलक्षण-निमित्त तथा सान्त्व-प्रधान नीति)
भीष्म उवाच जयित्र्या यानि रूपाणि भवन्ति भरतर्षभ । पृतनाया: प्रशस्तानि तानि वक्ष्यामि सर्वश:
bhīṣma uvāca | jayitryā yāni rūpāṇi bhavanti bharatarṣabha | pṛtanāyāḥ praśastāni tāni vakṣyāmi sarvaśaḥ ||
Bhishma said: O bull among the Bharatas, I shall describe in full the auspicious signs that appear in a victorious army—those commendable indications by which success in battle is foretold.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma frames military success as having recognizable auspicious indicators; the teaching is that leadership should observe signs, discipline, and conditions that support righteous and effective action rather than relying on impulse.
In Shanti Parva, Bhishma continues instructing the king; here he introduces a section where he will enumerate the favorable signs and characteristics seen in an army destined for victory.