Karṇa’s Camp-Council Discourse: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament, Sañjaya’s Counsel, and Karṇa’s Request for Śalya
Book 8, Chapter 22
ततस्तं निशितं खड्गमाविध्य युधि सत्वर: । धनुश्नान्यत् समादाय शरं जग्राह वीर्यवान्
tatastaṃ niśitaṃ khaḍgam āvidhya yudhi satvaraḥ | dhanuḥ anyat samādāya śaraṃ jagrāha vīryavān ||
サञ्जयは語った。ついでその剛勇の士は戦のただ中で素早く鋭刃の剣を振るい、さらに別の弓を取り上げて矢をつかんだ――戦の趨勢が移ろうとも折れぬ決意と、戦いを継ぐ備えを示したのである。
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness: even amid danger and rapid changes in combat, a warrior must remain composed, resourceful, and ready to act—switching weapons and continuing the struggle without hesitation.
In Sañjaya’s report of the battle, a valiant fighter quickly brandishes a sharp sword and then takes up another bow and an arrow, indicating an immediate tactical shift and continued engagement in the fight.