Shloka 18
अध्याय ८ — शल्यस्य सत्कारः, वरदानं, पाण्डवसमागमश्च (Śalya’s Reception, the Boon, and Meeting the Pāṇḍavas)
दुर्योधन उवाच सत्यवाग् भव कल्याण वरो वै मम दीयताम् | सर्वसेनाप्रणेता वै भवान् भवितुमहति
duryodhana uvāca satyavāg bhava kalyāṇa varo vai mama dīyatām | sarvasenāpraṇetā vai bhavān bhavitum arhati ||
Duryodhana dit : «Ô seigneur noble et de bon augure, que tes paroles s’accomplissent. Accorde-moi cette grâce : tu es digne de devenir le commandant et le chef de toute mon armée.»
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the pursuit of power in a dharmic crisis often takes the form of seeking authoritative command; ethically, it invites reflection on whether leadership is sought for righteous protection or for domination in an impending war.
Duryodhana addresses an honored person and requests a boon: that the addressee accept the role of supreme commander over Duryodhana’s entire army, signaling strategic preparations for the coming conflict.