Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
श्रेयोयुक्तां सदा बुद्धिं पाण्डवानां दधाति यः । बलं॑ चैव रणे नित्यं भयेभ्यश्षैव रक्षति,वे पाण्डवोंको सदा कल्याणमयी बुद्धि प्रदान करते हैं, युद्धमें बल देते हैं और भयसे नित्य उनकी रक्षा करते हैं
śreyoyuktāṃ sadā buddhiṃ pāṇḍavānāṃ dadhāti yaḥ | balaṃ caiva raṇe nityaṃ bhayebhyaś caiva rakṣati ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Yaong walang humpay na nagbibigay sa mga Pāṇḍava ng matalinong pag-iisip na nakaayon sa tunay na kabutihan, na nagkakaloob din sa kanila ng di-nauubos na lakas sa digmaan, at laging nag-iingat sa kanila laban sa mga pangamba—ang kapangyarihang tagapag-ingat na iyon ang nasa likod ng kanilang kagalingan.”
भीष्म उवाच
True welfare (śreyas) is supported by right discernment (buddhi). The verse links ethical clarity with practical outcomes: strength in righteous struggle and freedom from fear arise when one is guided toward the good and protected from inner and outer dangers.
Bhīṣma, speaking within the Bhīṣma Parva context of the Kurukṣetra war, points to the sustaining force behind the Pāṇḍavas—one that grants them beneficial counsel, steadiness and power in combat, and ongoing protection from fear—underscoring why their cause remains resilient.