Shloka 18
भ्राता कनीयानपि तस्य मन्द- स्तथाशील: संजय सो<पि शश्चवत् | महेष्वास: शूरतम: कुरूणां दुःशासन: कुशलं तात वाच्य:,तात संजय! जो दुर्योधनका छोटा भाई है तथा उसीके समान मूर्ख और सदा पापमें संलग्न रहनेवाला है, कुरुकुलके उस महाधनुर्धर एवं विख्यात वीर दुःशासनसे भी कुशल पूछकर मेरा कुशल-समाचार कहना
bhrātā kanīyān api tasya mandaḥ tathāśīlaḥ saṃjaya so 'pi śaśvat | maheṣvāsaḥ śūratamaḥ kurūṇāṃ duḥśāsanaḥ kuśalaṃ tāta vācyaḥ ||
O Sañjaya, convey my greetings and inquire after the welfare of Duḥśāsana as well—Duryodhana’s younger brother, of the same dull disposition and the same habitual conduct. Though ever inclined toward wrongdoing, he is famed among the Kurus as a great archer and a foremost warrior. Ask after his well-being, and deliver my message of welfare.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even while condemning wrongdoing, Yudhiṣṭhira maintains civility and a dharmic restraint: he acknowledges Duḥśāsana’s faults yet still extends formal welfare and respect, modeling ethical speech and self-control amid hostility.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations, Yudhiṣṭhira instructs Sañjaya to convey greetings and inquire after the welfare of Kaurava figures, including Duḥśāsana, describing him as Duryodhana’s younger brother—foolish and habitually sinful—yet renowned as a great archer and warrior among the Kurus.