Shloka 56
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
महतो रथवंशस्य नानाध्वजपताकिन: । बलाहकाग्रे सूर्यो वा य एष प्रमुखे स्थित:
arjuna uvāca | mahato rathavaṁśasya nānādhvajapatākinaḥ | balāhakāgre sūryo vā ya eṣa pramukhe sthitaḥ |
アルジュナは言った。「見よ、数多の旗と旌を掲げた車戦士の大軍、その最前列に立つ者を——雲の塊の前に現れる太陽のごとく輝いている。あれは我らの大祖父、シャーンタヌの子ビーシュマ。壮麗な戦車に座し、強大な弓を携え、徽章と王者のしるしによって際立つ。しかも主権の威厳を具えながら、ドゥルヨーダナの命に従っている。その光景が、悲しみとなって我が心を焼くのだ。」
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical pain caused when a venerable elder, worthy of honor and independent authority, submits to an unrighteous command. It frames a dharma-conflict: reverence for elders and loyalty to one’s side versus the sorrow of seeing greatness harnessed to adharma.
Arjuna identifies the foremost warrior shining at the head of the army as Bhīṣma, Śāntanu’s son. He describes Bhīṣma’s splendor and martial eminence, then laments that Bhīṣma, despite his stature, serves under Duryodhana—an image that deeply distresses him.