Shloka 77
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ११०: पार्थभीमयोः प्रहारः तथा भीष्माभिमुखं संग्रामविस्तारः
Arjuna and Bhima’s pressure; escalation toward Bhishma
ततो मां न्यस्तशस्त्र तु एते हन्युर्महारथा: । निक्षिप्तशस्त्रे पतिते विमुक्तकवचध्वजे
tato māṁ nyastaśastraṁ tu ete hanyur mahārathāḥ | nikṣiptaśastre patite vimuktakavacadhvaje
Kemudian para pahlawan kereta perang agung itu akan menewaskan aku—tatkala aku telah meletakkan senjata, tatkala persenjataan telah dicampakkan, tatkala aku rebah jatuh, dengan zirah yang terlerai dan panji yang diturunkan.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, dharma sets limits: striking down a warrior who has laid aside weapons, fallen, and become unprotected is portrayed as morally blameworthy, highlighting the ideal of restraint and honor in combat.
Bhīṣma speaks of a situation where, once he is disarmed and fallen—his armor loosened and his banner lowered—other great warriors would be able to kill him, emphasizing his defenseless state and the ethical tension of such an act.