Shloka 21
अध्याय ५०: उत्तरेण सह अर्जुनस्य रथप्रयाणे ध्वजचिह्नैः कौरवसेनानिर्देशः
Arjuna directs Uttara by identifying Kaurava commanders through banners
पुत्रादनन्तरं शिष्य इति धर्मविदो विदु: । एतेनापि निमित्तेन प्रियो द्रोणस्य पाण्डव:,धर्मज्ञ पुरुष ऐसा मानते हैं कि गुरुको पुत्रके बाद शिष्य ही प्रिय होता है, इस कारणसे भी पाण्डुनन्दन अर्जुन आचार्य द्रोणको प्रिय हैं [अतः वे उनकी प्रशंसा क्यों न करें?]
putrād anantaraṁ śiṣya iti dharmavido viduḥ | etena api nimittena priyo droṇasya pāṇḍavaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Kṛpa: “Ang mga nakaaalam ng dharma ay naniniwalang, matapos ang sariling anak, ang alagad ang pinakamamahal. Dahil dito rin, ang Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) ay minamahal ni Droṇa—kaya nararapat lamang na purihin siya ni Droṇa.”
कृप उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharma-based social ethic: a worthy disciple is regarded as nearly as dear as one’s own son, underscoring the sanctity of the guru–śiṣya bond and legitimizing a teacher’s special affection and praise for an exemplary student.
Kṛpa explains why Droṇa’s favorable words about Arjuna are natural and justified: since dharma-teachers consider a disciple second only to a son in affection, Droṇa’s fondness for Arjuna provides an additional reason for praising him.