Shloka 8
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
ततो दुर्योधनो राजा साम्ना परमवल्गुना । तानाभाष्य महेष्वासान् प्राप्तकालमभाषत,उस समय राजा दुर्योधनने सान्त्वनापूर्ण परम मधुर वाणीद्वारा उन महाधनुर्धर नरेशोंको सम्बोधित करके यह समयोचित बात कही--:बुद्धिमानोंमें श्रेष्ठ नरेश्वरो! तुम सब लोग शीघ्र बोलो, विलम्ब न करो, इस अवस्थामें हमलोगोंको क्या करना चाहिये और सबसे अधिक आवश्यक कर्तव्य क्या है?”
tato duryodhano rājā sāmnā paramavalgūnā | tān ābhāṣya maheṣvāsān prāptakālam abhāṣata ||
Então o rei Duryodhana, com palavras conciliadoras e de extrema doçura, dirigiu-se àqueles grandes arqueiros e disse o que era oportuno: “Ó reis, os melhores entre os sábios! Falai depressa—não vos demoreis. Nesta situação, o que devemos fazer, e qual é o dever mais urgente?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in crisis, a ruler must seek timely counsel and identify the most urgent duty (kartavya). The verse highlights leadership through consultation and the ethical pressure of choosing the right action under war-time constraints.
Sanjaya reports that Duryodhana, using soothing and persuasive words, addresses the assembled great archers/kings on his side and urges them to speak without delay about what should be done next and what duty is most necessary at that moment.