Shloka 17
भीष्मधृतराष्ट्रसंवादः — पाण्डवबलप्रशंसा
Bhishma–Dhritarashtra Dialogue: Appraisal of Pandava Strength
श्लाघते5यं सदा वीर पार्थस्य गुणविस्तरै: । पुत्रादभ्यधिकं चैनं भारद्वाजोडनुपश्यति,वीर! ये आचार्य द्रोण अर्जुनके गुणोंका विस्तारपूर्वक उल्लेख करते हुए सदा उनकी प्रशंसा करते हैं और उन्हें पुत्रसे भी अधिक प्रिय मानते हैं
ślāghate ’yaṃ sadā vīra pārthasya guṇa-vistaraiḥ | putrād abhyadhikaṃ cainaṃ bhāradvājo ’nupaśyati vīra ||
Bhīṣma dijo: «Oh héroe, este Bhāradvāja (Droṇa) alaba sin cesar a Pārtha, detallando la amplitud de sus virtudes; en verdad, lo considera más querido que a su propio hijo».
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of recognizing merit: a true teacher openly honors a disciple’s virtues, even when that esteem surpasses personal ties. It underscores how excellence (guṇa) can command loyalty and affection beyond blood relations.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war deliberations, Bhīṣma describes Droṇa’s attitude toward Arjuna: Droṇa repeatedly extols Arjuna’s qualities in detail and regards him as more beloved than his own son, indicating Arjuna’s exceptional standing even among his opponents’ elders.