Shloka 11
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
' आत्मा रक्ष्यो रणे तात सर्वावस्थास्वरिंदम । धर्मराजेन संग्रामस्त्वया कार्य: सदानघ
sañjaya uvāca | ātmā rakṣyo raṇe tāta sarvāvasthā-svarindama | dharmarājena saṅgrāmas tvayā kāryaḥ sadānagha | kathayāmāsa durdharṣo viniḥśvasyā punaḥ punaḥ |
三阇耶说道：“孩子啊，制敌者！在战阵之中，无论何种境况，都当护持自身。无垢者啊，你应当始终把战斗指向法王（坚战，Yudhiṣṭhira）。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes prudence and self-preservation in warfare—‘protect yourself in every situation’—and frames combat as purposeful rather than reckless, directing effort toward the principal opponent (Dharmaraja/Yudhisthira). It reflects the ethical tension of kshatriya duty: fight, but with disciplined strategy and awareness of consequences.
Sanjaya reports that the formidable Duryodhana, distressed by a recent setback, repeatedly sighs and recounts the episode of defeat and the enemy’s success. In this context, counsel is voiced: remain guarded in battle and focus the fight against Yudhisthira, indicating a strategic reorientation after humiliation.