Shloka 8
Droṇa Encircled at Night: Coalition Advance and Battlefield Omens (द्रोणपर्यावरणं रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
यास्यामि पदवीं भ्रातु: सात्वतस्य च धीमत:ः । सोड्द्य यत्तो रणे पार्थ परिरक्ष युधिष्ठिरम्
yāsyāmi padavīṁ bhrātuḥ sātvatasya ca dhīmataḥ | soḍhya yatto raṇe pārtha parirakṣa yudhiṣṭhiram ||
Sanjaya berkata: “Aku akan menempuh jejak yang dilalui saudaraku—Sātvata yang bijaksana. Karena itu, wahai Pārtha, teguhkan hatimu dan bertahanlah di medan laga; lindungilah Yudhishthira dari segala penjuru.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the chaos of war, steadfast endurance and vigilant effort must be directed toward protecting the rightful leader (Yudhiṣṭhira). The verse frames martial action within ethical responsibility: courage is not mere aggression but disciplined guardianship.
Sañjaya reports an urgent instruction: Arjuna should remain resolute in battle and ensure Yudhiṣṭhira’s safety. Sañjaya also declares he will follow the course taken by his ‘brother,’ identified as the wise Sātvata (Kṛṣṇa), aligning his movement or strategy with Kṛṣṇa’s lead.