Shloka 36
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 19 — Saṃśaptaka–Trigarta Assault and Aindra-astra Counter
अस्त्रैरस्त्राणि संवार्य छित्त्वा सर्वायुधानि च । प्राप्तमप्यहितं द्रौणिन जघान रणेप्सया
astrair astrāṇi saṃvārya chittvā sarvāyudhāni ca | prāptam apy ahitaṃ drauṇiṃ na jaghāna raṇepsayā ||
Disse Sañjaya: Rebatendo arma com arma e decepando todas as suas armas, ainda assim não matou o filho de Droṇa—Aśvatthāman—embora o inimigo já tivesse caído sob seu poder. Mesmo com o ímpeto da batalha, conteve-se e não abateu um adversário já subjugado.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights restraint in warfare: even when an enemy is disarmed and within one’s power, dharmic conduct may require refraining from killing, separating legitimate combat from needless slaughter.
In the battle account narrated by Sañjaya, the warrior counters Aśvatthāman’s missiles with his own, cuts down all of Aśvatthāman’s weapons, yet does not kill him despite having the advantage.