Shloka 6
द्रोण-पार्थ-युद्धम्
Droṇa–Pārtha Strategic Engagement
इमौ च बाणौ सहितौ पादयोरमे व्यवस्थितौ । अपरोौ चाप्यतिक्रान्तौ कर्णो संस्पृश्य मे शरौ,ये दो बाण एक साथ आकर मेरे पैरोंके आगे गिरे हैं और दूसरे दो बाण मेरे दोनों कानोंको छूकर निकल गये हैं
imau ca bāṇau sahitau pādayor me vyavasthitau | aparau cāpyatikrāntau karṇau saṃspṛśya me śarau ||
ドローナは言った。「この二本の矢は同時に飛来して、わが足もとに静かに止まった。さらに別の二本は、わが両耳をかすめただけで、そのまま飛び去った。」武人の掟において、かかる言葉は敵の精確さと節度を鋭く見抜いた評である――無益な傷を与えずに力を示し、ただ技と意志を試すかのようで、ただちに命を奪おうとはしない。
द्रोण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment and restraint in the use of force: mastery is shown not only by the ability to strike, but by controlled precision that can warn, test, or demonstrate superiority without immediate lethal intent—an ethical dimension within kṣatriya conduct.
Droṇa observes an archer’s remarkable accuracy: two arrows land together in front of his feet, while two others pass by after grazing his ears. He is effectively reporting the closeness and deliberateness of the shots, recognizing the opponent’s skill and the calculated nature of the attack.