Shloka 6
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
कृत्वावहारं सैन्यानां प्रविश्य शिबिरं स्वकम् | कुरव: सुहितं मन्त्र मन्त्रयाउचक्रिरे मिथ:,सेनाको लौटाकर अपने शिविरमें प्रवेश करनेके पश्चात् समस्त कौरव परस्पर अपने हितके लिये गुप्त मन्त्रणा करने लगे
kṛtvāvahāraṃ sainyānāṃ praviśya śibiraṃ svakam | kuravāḥ suhitaṃ mantraṃ mantrayām āsuś cakrire mithāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: After withdrawing their forces and entering their own camp, the Kauravas began to deliberate secretly among themselves about what would best serve their advantage. The verse highlights the strategic, inward turn that follows open combat—where decisions are shaped not only by power but by counsel, intent, and the ethical weight of choosing means for one’s ends.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that warfare is not only fought on the battlefield but also shaped by private counsel and intention. Ethical responsibility lies in how leaders use deliberation—whether counsel serves justice and restraint or merely expediency and self-interest.
After pulling back their troops and returning to their own encampment, the Kaurava leaders confer among themselves in secret, planning what course will best secure their advantage in the ongoing conflict.