Shloka 7
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
योत्स्यते समरे तात मायावी समरप्रिय: । ये चास्य राक्षसा वीरा: सचिवा वशवर्तिन:,उसको युद्ध करना बहुत प्रिय है। तात! वह मायावी राक्षस समरभूमिमें उत्साहपूर्वक युद्ध करेगा। उसके साथ जो वीर राक्षस एवं सचिव हैं, वे सब उसीके वशमें रहनेवाले हैं
yotsyate samare tāta māyāvī samarapriyaḥ | ye cāsya rākṣasā vīrāḥ sacivā vaśavartinaḥ ||
ビーシュマは言った。「愛しき子よ、幻術に長け、戦を好むその者は、合戦のただ中で戦うであろう。そして彼に仕え助言する勇猛なる羅刹たち—その一人一人が、彼の支配の下にある。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a practical ethical-political insight: a battle-loving, deceptive leader can mobilize subordinates who are firmly under his influence; therefore, one must assess not only an individual opponent’s prowess but also the cohesion and obedience of his retinue.
Bhīṣma is describing an adversarial figure characterized by māyā (deception/illusion) and eagerness for combat, noting that the Rākṣasa warriors and counselors associated with him are loyal and controlled by him—emphasizing the organized threat posed by his group.