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 ||
Dijo Bhishma: Oh toro entre los Bharata, describiré por completo los signos auspiciosos que aparecen en un ejército victorioso—esas señales dignas de alabanza por las que se presagia el éxito en la batalla.
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.