Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 59
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
पश्चादेष प्रयातव्यो न मे विघ्नकरो भवेत् । एतेन युध्यमानस्य यत्त: संयच्छ मे हयान्
paścād eṣa prayātavyo na me vighnakaro bhavet | etena yudhyamānasya yattaḥ saṃyaccha me hayān |
Arjuna said: “Let him proceed behind us, so that he does not become an obstruction to my advance. While I engage in battle with this opponent, stay alert and keep firm control of my horses.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in battle, success depends on disciplined coordination: removing avoidable obstacles, maintaining vigilance, and exercising control over one’s instruments (here, the horses), reflecting the broader ethic of self-mastery and responsible command.
Arjuna issues tactical instructions: someone should remain behind so as not to hinder his movement, and the charioteer is told to stay alert and firmly manage Arjuna’s horses while Arjuna fights the opponent.