Shloka 231
Jaitrya-nimitta: Signs of Prospective Victory and the Priority of Conciliation (जयलक्षण-निमित्त तथा सान्त्व-प्रधान नीति)
अपि वा पज्च षट् सप्त संहता: कृतनिश्चया: । कुलीना: पूजिता: सम्यग् विजयन्तीह शात्रवान्
api vā pañca ṣaṭ sapta saṁhatāḥ kṛtaniścayāḥ | kulīnāḥ pūjitāḥ samyag vijayantīha śātravān ||
Bhīṣma berkata: Walau hanya lima, enam, atau tujuh orang—jika mereka bersatu padu, bertekad teguh, berasal daripada keturunan dan budi pekerti yang baik, serta dihormati dengan sewajarnya—mereka mampu menewaskan musuh di sini.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A small group can achieve victory when it is united, resolute, and properly respected; moral-social standing (kulīnatā) and due honor (pūjā) strengthen collective effectiveness more than sheer numbers.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction in the Śānti Parva, he highlights a practical principle of statecraft and ethics: cohesive, determined, and duly honored allies—even if few—can prevail over hostile forces.