Shloka 7
योत्स्यते समरे तात मायावी समरप्रिय: । ये चास्य राक्षसा वीरा: सचिवा वशवर्तिन:,उसको युद्ध करना बहुत प्रिय है। तात! वह मायावी राक्षस समरभूमिमें उत्साहपूर्वक युद्ध करेगा। उसके साथ जो वीर राक्षस एवं सचिव हैं, वे सब उसीके वशमें रहनेवाले हैं
yotsyate samare tāta māyāvī samarapriyaḥ | ye cāsya rākṣasā vīrāḥ sacivā vaśavartinaḥ ||
Bhīṣma disse: “Meu filho, aquele versado em ilusões, amante da batalha, lutará no meio do combate. E os valentes Rākṣasas que são seus atendentes e conselheiros — cada um deles permanece sob seu domínio.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a practical ethical-political insight: a battle-loving, deceptive leader can mobilize subordinates who are firmly under his influence; therefore, one must assess not only an individual opponent’s prowess but also the cohesion and obedience of his retinue.
Bhīṣma is describing an adversarial figure characterized by māyā (deception/illusion) and eagerness for combat, noting that the Rākṣasa warriors and counselors associated with him are loyal and controlled by him—emphasizing the organized threat posed by his group.