Shloka 34
ब्राह्मणपूजा-राजधर्मः | Royal Duty of Honoring Learned Brahmins
स रथी बद्धनिस्त्रिंशो बभौ दीप्त इवानल: । प्रययौ स धनुर्धुन्चन् खड्गी चर्मी शरासनी
sa rathī baddha-nistriṁśo babhau dīpta ivānalaḥ | prayayau sa dhanur-dhuñcan khaḍgī carmī śarāsanī ||
ビーシュマは言った。戦車に乗り、腰に剣を帯びた彼は、燃えさかる火のごとく輝いた。剣と盾を備え、弓を携え、弓弦を轟かせつつ前進した――自ら選び取ったダルマの務めに従い行動せんとする戦士の、烈しい決意をもって。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute preparedness: a warrior, properly armed and composed, advances to perform his chosen duty. The ethical undertone is steadiness in one’s role (svadharma) and disciplined readiness rather than impulsive violence.
A chariot-warrior mounts his chariot, fastens his sword, and advances fully armed—sword, shield, and bow—his presence compared to blazing fire, while the bow is made to resound as he moves forward.