Shloka 19
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
मा सूतपुत्राह्दय राजपुत्र महावीर्य॑ केसरिणं यथैव । वने शृगाल: पिशितेन तृप्तो मा पार्थमासाद्य विनड्क्ष्यसि त्वम्
mā sūtaputrāhṛdaya rājaputra mahāvīrya keśariṇaṃ yathaiva | vane śṛgālaḥ piśitena tṛpto mā pārtham āsādya vinaṅkṣyasi tvam ||
Sañjaya nói: “Hỡi vương tử dũng mãnh, chớ vì mình là con của người đánh xe mà tự cho lòng gan như sư tử. Như con chó rừng trong rừng, ăn thịt no rồi tưởng mình là sư tử, chớ lao tới Pārtha (Arjuna) mà chuốc lấy diệt vong.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse cautions against overconfidence born of temporary success: inflated self-image and contempt for a superior opponent lead to self-destruction. True valor is measured by discernment and restraint, not by bravado.
Sañjaya, narrating the battle events, delivers a sharp warning to Karṇa: do not mistake momentary advantage for genuine superiority. He uses the image of a jackal, emboldened after eating flesh, imagining itself a lion—urging Karṇa not to attack Arjuna and perish.