Adhyāya 108 — Nimitta-darśana and Drona’s counsel amid Arjuna’s advance (निमित्तदर्शनं द्रोणोपदेशश्च)
स एवमुक्त: समरे पुत्रो द:ःशासनस्तव । परिवार्य स्थितो भीष्म सैन्येन महता वृतः,(पालयामास महता यत्नेन च सुसंयतः ।) दुर्योधनके ऐसा कहनेपर आपका पुत्र दुःशासन समरभूमिमें अपनी विशाल सेनाके साथ जा भीष्मको सब ओरसे घेरकर खड़ा हो गया और बड़े यत्नसे सावधान रहकर उनकी रक्षा करने लगा
sa evam uktaḥ samare putro duḥśāsanas tava | parivārya sthito bhīṣmaḥ sainyena mahatā vṛtaḥ | (pālayām āsa mahatā yatnena ca susaṃyataḥ) |
Санджая сказал: Когда это было сказано на поле брани, твой сын Духшасана встал, окружив Бхишму, и сам был обнесён великим войском. С твёрдым самообладанием и великим усердием он нёс стражу, оберегая его.
संजय उवाच
Even amid adharma-driven conflict, the epic highlights recognizable virtues—discipline, vigilance, and loyalty to one’s commander and elder. Yet it also invites ethical reflection: such virtues can be employed in service of a questionable cause, showing how dharma becomes complex in war.
After being addressed, Duḥśāsana positions himself around Bhīṣma with a large contingent, forming a protective ring. He remains alert and self-controlled, actively guarding Bhīṣma as the battle intensifies.