Shloka 12
शूरलक्षणवर्णनम् | Marks and Typologies of Martial Temperament
सुसंहता: सुतनवो व्यूढोरस्का: सुसंस्थिता: । प्रवादितेषु कुप्यन्ति हृष्पन्ति कलहेषु च
susaṃhatāḥ sutanavo vyūḍhoraskāḥ susaṃsthitāḥ | pravāditēṣu kupyanti hṛṣyanti kalahēṣu ca ||
ビーシュマは言った。「身体が引き締まり、肢体は堅く、胸は広く、戦場にあって揺るがず立つ者たち——戦鼓と軍の合図が鳴り響けば、彼らは怒りに燃え、衝突のただ中で昂ぶりを覚える。そのような戦士にとって、戦の喧噪そのものが歓びとなる。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma characterizes the warrior temperament: a well-trained, physically robust fighter is stirred by martial signals and finds exhilaration in combat. The verse highlights how innate disposition and training can make conflict emotionally energizing, a point relevant to discussions of kshatriya-dharma and the ethics of channeling aggression responsibly.
In Shanti Parva’s instruction, Bhishma is describing the qualities and reactions of true warriors. He notes that when battle is announced—through drums or signals—such men become fiercely aroused and even delighted in the clash, illustrating the mindset of those who stand firm in war.