Mahabharata — Karna Parva, Shloka 84
कर्णेन युधिष्ठिरानीकविदारणम् / Karṇa’s Breach of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Battle-Line
न हन्यादिति कर्तव्यो न शोको व: कथज्चन । हतानित्येव जानीत बाणेनानेन चासुरान्
na hanyād iti kartavyo na śoko vaḥ kathañcana | hatān ity eva jānīta bāṇenānena cāsurān |
Sang Datuk Tertua bersabda: “Janganlah timbul fikiran, ‘Mereka tidak patut dibunuh.’ Jangan ada dukacita sedikit pun di antara kamu. Ketahuilah para Asura itu seolah-olah telah terbunuh oleh anak panah ini.”
पितामह उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not be paralyzed by misplaced scruples or grief in a righteous conflict; when the means and mandate are assured, maintain steadiness and treat the outcome as already secured.
The speaker (Pitāmaha) addresses his side, urging them not to worry that the Asuras might be spared; he instructs them to regard the Asuras as already slain by a particular arrow, strengthening morale and resolve.