Shloka 15
Jaitrya-nimitta: Signs of Prospective Victory and the Priority of Conciliation (जयलक्षण-निमित्त तथा सान्त्व-प्रधान नीति)
इष्टो वाम: प्रविष्टस्य दक्षिण: प्रविविक्षत: । पश्चात्संसाधयत्यर्थ पुरस्ताच्च निषेधति
iṣṭo vāmaḥ praviṣṭasya dakṣiṇaḥ pravivikṣataḥ | paścāt saṃsādhayaty arthaṃ purastāc ca niṣedhati |
Bhīṣma dit : «Pour celui qui s’apprête à entrer (dans la bataille), le présage est favorable lorsque le corbeau apparaît à droite ; pour celui qui y est déjà entré, il est favorable lorsqu’il vient à gauche. S’il est derrière, il aide l’entreprise à s’accomplir ; mais s’il est devant, il fait obstacle à la victoire.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma outlines a traditional omen-reading rule: the same sign (a crow’s position) is interpreted differently depending on one’s situation—about to enter battle, already engaged, or moving forward—highlighting context-sensitive judgment in action and decision-making.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs on practical matters of governance and conduct; here he gives a specific guideline about interpreting battlefield omens, stating when a crow’s appearance is considered favorable or obstructive for success and victory.