Shloka 18
तमायान्तं समीक्ष्यैव श्वेताश्वंं कृष्णसारथिम् । मद्रराजोब्रवीत् कर्ण केतुं दृष्टवा महात्मन:
tam āyāntaṁ samīkṣyaiva śvetāśvaṁ kṛṣṇasārathim | madrarājo 'bravīt karṇa ketuṁ dṛṣṭvā mahātmanaḥ ||
见阿周那逼近——白马驾车，黑天（奎师那）为御者——又将目光投向那位大勇士的战旗，摩陀罗王沙利耶便对迦尔纳开口。此景昭示：英雄的旗帜等征兆，以及正法引导者（奎师那）的在侧，足以左右战场上的士气与判断。
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how discernment in war includes reading visible signs—such as a warrior’s banner and the stature of his allies—and recognizing the ethical weight of guidance: Arjuna’s strength is amplified by Krishna’s charioteership, suggesting that right counsel and alignment with dharma affect both confidence and outcome.
As Arjuna advances in battle with Krishna driving his chariot of white horses, Shalya notices Arjuna and his banner and then addresses Karna, setting up Shalya’s ensuing remarks meant to influence Karna’s perception and resolve.