Adhyāya 108 — Nimitta-darśana and Drona’s counsel amid Arjuna’s advance (निमित्तदर्शनं द्रोणोपदेशश्च)
स एवमुक्त: समरे पुत्रो द:ःशासनस्तव । परिवार्य स्थितो भीष्म सैन्येन महता वृतः
sa evam uktaḥ samare putro duḥśāsanas tava | parivārya sthito bhīṣmaḥ sainyena mahatā vṛtaḥ | (pālayām āsa mahatā yatnena ca susaṃyataḥ) |
ऐसा कहे जाने पर समरभूमि में आपका पुत्र दुःशासन विशाल सेना सहित भीष्म को चारों ओर से घेरकर खड़ा हो गया; और बड़े यत्न से, संयमपूर्वक, उनकी रक्षा करने लगा।
संजय उवाच
Even amid adharma-driven conflict, the epic highlights recognizable virtues—discipline, vigilance, and loyalty to one’s commander and elder. Yet it also invites ethical reflection: such virtues can be employed in service of a questionable cause, showing how dharma becomes complex in war.
After being addressed, Duḥśāsana positions himself around Bhīṣma with a large contingent, forming a protective ring. He remains alert and self-controlled, actively guarding Bhīṣma as the battle intensifies.