Shloka 22
भीष्म–दुर्योधनसंवादः — शिखण्डिनं न हन्तुं कारणकथनम्
Amba-ākhyāna prologue
तथा स समरश्लाघी मन्तव्यो रथसत्तम: । काश्य: परमशीदघ्रास्त्र: श्लाघनीयो नरोत्तम:
tathā sa samaraślāghī mantavyo rathasattamaḥ | kāśyaḥ paramaśīghrāstraḥ ślāghanīyo narottamaḥ ||
Disse Bhīṣma: “Do mesmo modo, deves considerar o rei de Kāśī como um rathasattama, um dos mais excelsos guerreiros de carro: ele se gloria da batalha, emprega as armas com rapidez suprema e é um homem eminente, digno de louvor.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sound conduct in war includes clear-eyed recognition of merit and danger. Bhīṣma urges an honest evaluation of a warrior’s prowess—praise where due—so decisions are guided by reality rather than pride or underestimation.
Bhīṣma is describing notable fighters and advising how they should be regarded. Here he highlights the Kāśirāja as a top chariot-warrior, proud in battle and exceptionally fast in weapon-use, deserving the same serious regard as other eminent martial teachers/warriors.