Shloka 19
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
वहाँ व्यूह निर्माण करनेके लिये रथ और वाहनोंसे उतरना तथा पैदल सैनिकोंको छिपाकर रखना सम्भव है। वहाँ रहकर शत्रुओंके प्रहारका जवाब दिया जा सकता है और आपत्तिके समय छिप जानेका भी सुभीता रहता है ।।
saptarṣīn pṛṣṭhataḥ kṛtvā yudhyeyur acalā iva | anena vidhinā śatrūn jigīṣetāpi durjayān ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “Doon ay maaaring bumaba mula sa mga karwahe at sasakyan upang bumuo ng ayos-laban (vyuha), at maaari ring itago ang mga kawal na naglalakad. Mula roon ay masasagot ang mga hampas ng kaaway, at sa oras ng panganib ay may kaginhawaan ding makapagtago. Hayaang lumaban ang mga mandirigma na ang Pitong Pantas (Saptarishi) ay nasa likuran nilang pananggalang, at manatiling matatag na parang mga bundok. Sa ganitong paraan ng pag-aayos at matatag na pakikipaglaban, ang isang haring sumusugod ay maaari pa ring umasa na madaig maging ang mga kaaway na mahirap lupigin.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadfastness and correct tactical arrangement are presented as dharmic instruments of victory: by placing a revered, stabilizing support at the rear (symbolized by the Saptarshis) and fighting without wavering, even formidable opponents can be overcome.
In Bhishma’s instruction on governance and warfare in the Shanti Parva, he advises a specific battle posture/array: keep the ‘Saptarshis’ behind as a stabilizing rear-support and engage the enemy with mountain-like firmness, thereby increasing the chance of victory against difficult foes.