Shloka 11
Adhyāya 107 — बहुयुद्धप्रकरणम्
Multiple Defensive Engagements to Protect Bhīṣma
स एक: समरे तस्थौ किरन् बहुविधाञ्शरान् । भ्रातृभि: सहित: सर्व: शेषा हि प्रद्गुता नरा:
sa ekaḥ samare tasthau kiran bahuvidhān śarān | bhrātṛbhiḥ sahitaḥ sarvaḥ śeṣā hi pradgutā narāḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Lui seul demeura ferme sur le champ de bataille, répandant des flèches de toutes sortes ; accompagné de tous ses frères, tandis que tous les autres hommes, en vérité, avaient pris la fuite.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of warfare: steadfastness and bravery can appear admirable, yet they may serve an unrighteous cause. It invites reflection on how courage (śaurya) gains ethical value only when aligned with dharma.
In the midst of battle, Duryodhana—together with his brothers—continues fighting, releasing volleys of arrows, while the rest of the warriors retreat or scatter in fear.