Shloka 11
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
' आत्मा रक्ष्यो रणे तात सर्वावस्थास्वरिंदम । धर्मराजेन संग्रामस्त्वया कार्य: सदानघ
sañjaya uvāca | ātmā rakṣyo raṇe tāta sarvāvasthā-svarindama | dharmarājena saṅgrāmas tvayā kāryaḥ sadānagha | kathayāmāsa durdharṣo viniḥśvasyā punaḥ punaḥ |
Sañjaya disse: “Meu filho, subjugador de inimigos, na batalha guarda-te em toda condição. Ó irrepreensível, deves sempre dirigir o teu combate contra Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira).”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes prudence and self-preservation in warfare—‘protect yourself in every situation’—and frames combat as purposeful rather than reckless, directing effort toward the principal opponent (Dharmaraja/Yudhisthira). It reflects the ethical tension of kshatriya duty: fight, but with disciplined strategy and awareness of consequences.
Sanjaya reports that the formidable Duryodhana, distressed by a recent setback, repeatedly sighs and recounts the episode of defeat and the enemy’s success. In this context, counsel is voiced: remain guarded in battle and focus the fight against Yudhisthira, indicating a strategic reorientation after humiliation.