Shloka 18
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 123 — Bhīṣma–Droṇa–Vidura Upadeśa to Duryodhana
Keśava-vākya aftermath
अश्रत्थाम्नो विकर्णस्य संजयस्य विविंशते: । ज्ञातीनां चैव भूयिष्ठं मित्राणां च परंतप
aśvatthāmno vikarṇasya sañjayasya viviṁśateḥ | jñātīnāṁ caiva bhūyiṣṭhaṁ mitrāṇāṁ ca paraṁtapa ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “This very course appears to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra—wise though he is—to be both dear and beneficial. O scorcher of foes, it is likewise most pleasing to his own kinsmen and friends: to Grandfather Bhīṣma, to Ācārya Droṇa, to the high-minded Vidura, to Kṛpa, to Somadatta, to the prudent Bāhlīka, to Aśvatthāmā, to Vikarṇa, to Sañjaya, to Viviṁśati, and to many others as well.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how political decisions are often validated by the approval of influential elders, teachers, and close associates; it implicitly raises an ethical question central to the Udyoga Parva—whether what is ‘pleasing’ to one’s circle is truly ‘beneficial’ in terms of dharma.
Vaiśampāyana reports that a particular stance or plan is regarded as dear and advantageous not only by King Dhṛtarāṣṭra but also by leading figures among the Kauravas’ elders, counselors, relatives, and allies—naming prominent individuals to show broad support within the court.