Shloka 47
सम्प्राप्य तादृशीं वृत्ति सत्कृतः सततं परै: । अवृणीत सदा पुत्रान् मामेवाभ्यधिकं गुरु:,हमारे शत्रु सदा आचार्यका सत्कार किया करते थे। उनके द्वारा वैसी उत्तम जीविका- वृत्ति पाकर भी आचार्य सदा मुझे ही अपने पुत्रसे बढ़कर मानते रहे हैं
samprāpya tādṛśīṁ vṛttiṁ satkṛtaḥ satataṁ paraiḥ | avṛṇīta sadā putrān mām evābhyadhikaṁ guruḥ ||
Arjuna said: “Though our enemy (the preceptor) continually received honor from others and, through that, obtained such an excellent livelihood, the teacher still always chose me—regarding me as even dearer and more worthy than his own sons.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral complexity of war: even when a teacher stands as an enemy, one must remember the bonds of instruction and past beneficence. It underscores gratitude and the ethical tension between duty to one’s side and reverence for one’s guru.
Arjuna reflects on Droṇa’s past conduct: although Droṇa was continually honored by others and enjoyed a good livelihood, he still favored Arjuna above even his own sons. This recollection frames Arjuna’s conflicted feelings while facing Droṇa in battle.