Shloka 13
धर्म्यविजय-नियमाः
Rules for Dharmic Victory in Kṣatriya Engagement
भग्नशस्त्रो विपन्नश्न कृत्तज्यो हतवाहन: । चिकित्स्य: स्यात् स्वविषये प्राप्यो वा स्वगृहे भवेत्
bhagnaśastro vipannaś ca kṛttajyo hata-vāhanaḥ | cikitsyaḥ syāt sva-viṣaye prāpyo vā sva-gṛhe bhavet ||
Bhishma said: One should not strike even an enemy whose weapon is broken, who has fallen into distress, whose bowstring has been cut, or whose mount has been slain. If such a man comes within one’s own realm or control, his wounds should be treated, or he should be escorted safely back to his home.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Warfare must be governed by dharma: do not strike an opponent who is effectively helpless (disarmed, immobilized, or in distress). Instead, provide medical care or safe passage home when he falls under your control.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on righteous conduct, Bhishma lays down a rule of combat: an enemy who has lost weapons, bowstring, or mount—and is thus incapacitated—should not be attacked; he should be protected and aided.