Shloka 9
अध्याय १६९ — भीष्मस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रशंसा तथा शिखण्डिविषये नियमः
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava Forces and His Constraint Regarding Śikhaṇḍin
वयोवृद्धावपि हि तौ क्षत्रधर्मपरायणौ । यतिष्येते परं शक््त्या स्थितौ वीरगते पथि
vayovṛddhāv api hi tau kṣatradharmaparāyaṇau | yatiṣyete paraṁ śaktyā sthitau vīragate pathi ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Bagama’t lubhang matanda na ang dalawa, nananatili silang tapat sa dharma ng kṣatriya. Matatag sa landas na humahantong sa wakas ng isang bayani, magsisikap silang lumaban sa lahat ng lakas na nalalabi—pinipili ang tungkulin at tapang kaysa panghihina ng mga taon.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when physical strength declines with age, commitment to one’s svadharma—here, the kṣatriya’s duty of courage and steadfastness in battle—remains a moral anchor. The verse praises resolve: acting to the utmost of one’s capacity in the chosen duty, rather than retreating into excuse or fear.
Bhīṣma comments that two elderly warriors, despite their advanced years, will still take their stand in the warrior’s path and attempt to fight with maximum effort. The emphasis is on their unwavering adherence to kṣatriya conduct and readiness for a heroic end.