Shloka 38
उपायधर्म-सेनायोगः
Upāya-dharma and Senāyoga: Expedient Ethics & Army Deployment
अमित्रा हृष्टमनस: प्रत्युद्यान्ति पलायिनम् | जयिनस्तु नरास्तात चन्दनैर्मण्डनेन च,शत्रु प्रसन्नचित्त होकर भागनेवाले योद्धाका पीछा करते हैं तथा तात! विजयी मनुष्य चन्दन और आशभूषणोंद्वारा पूजित होते हैं
amitrā hṛṣṭamanasaḥ pratyudyānti palāyinam | jayinastu narāstātta candanair maṇḍanena ca ||
毗湿摩说道：敌人心中欢喜，必将乘势前逼，追逐那转身逃走之人。可亲爱的孩子，得胜者却受人礼敬——以檀香涂身，并以饰物加以装点。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights a practical moral psychology of conflict: flight invites pursuit and aggression from foes, while steadfast victory brings social honor and ceremonial recognition. The verse contrasts the consequences of defeat versus victory, underscoring how public conduct and morale shape outcomes in warfare and worldly life.
In Bhishma’s instruction during the Shanti Parva, he describes how enemies become emboldened and chase a retreating fighter, whereas the victorious are welcomed and celebrated—symbolically with sandal-paste anointing and adornment—reflecting societal validation of success in battle.