Shloka 42
Adhyāya 111 (Book 6): Daśama-dina-saṃgrāma—Bhīṣma’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira and the Śikhaṇḍin-Led Advance
स तेनातिभशं विद्ध: प्रेक्ष्य भीष्म: शिखण्डिनम् । अनिच्छन्निव संक्रुद्ध: प्रहसन्निदमब्रवीत्
sa tenātibhaśaṁ viddhaḥ prekṣya bhīṣmaḥ śikhaṇḍinam | anicchann iva saṁkruddhaḥ prahasann idam abravīt ||
Grièvement blessé par ce coup, Bhīṣma tourna les yeux vers Śikhaṇḍin. Comme malgré lui, la colère l’embrasa; pourtant, avec un sourire sombre et railleur, il prononça ces paroles.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, a person bound by vows and dharma may experience intense inner conflict: anger arises naturally, yet one’s conduct is restrained by ethical codes and prior commitments. Bhīṣma’s unwillingness alongside his wrath highlights the struggle between impulse and principle.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīṣma, grievously wounded, turns his gaze toward Śikhaṇḍin. Though seemingly reluctant, he becomes angry and, with a grim laugh, begins to speak—setting up Bhīṣma’s response to the situation on the battlefield.