Mahabharata — Svargarohana Parva, Shloka 15
स्वर्गारोहणपर्व — तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Indra and Dharma’s Consolation; Celestial Gaṅgā Purification
तेन त्वमेवं गमितो मया श्रेयोडर्थिना नूप । व्याजेन हि त्वया द्रोण उपचीर्ण: सुतं प्रति
tena tvam evaṁ gamito mayā śreyorthinā nūpa | vyājena hi tvayā droṇa upacīrṇaḥ sutaṁ prati ||
因此，噫，大王，我为求真正之至善，才如此引你前行。因为正是你借一番托辞，使德罗那对其子表现出格外的顾念与偏护。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between seeking the ‘highest good’ (śreyas) and employing morally ambiguous means (vyāja). It invites reflection on whether outcomes can justify deception, especially in contexts of power, duty, and conflict.
Vaiśampāyana explains to a king that he guided him deliberately, claiming it was for the king’s ultimate good. He notes that Droṇa was maneuvered ‘under a pretext’ into acting with special concern toward his son, indicating a strategic manipulation of Droṇa’s paternal attachment.