Chapter 1: Arjuna Viṣhāda Yoga – Transforming Grief into Yoga: Verse 11
अयनेषु च सर्वेषु यथाभागमवस्थिता: ।
भीष्ममेवाभिरक्षन्तु भवन्त: सर्व एव हि ॥
ayaneṣu ca sarveṣu yathā-bhāgam-avasthitā:
bhīṣmam-evābhirakṣantu bhavanta: sarva eva hi – 1.11
Let all the army divisions, yourself and the rest, retaining their positions protect well Bheeshma alone.
Chapter 1: Arjuna Viṣhāda Yoga – Transforming Grief into Yoga - Verse 11
How discourteous and wounding a manner for a disciple to talk to his great teacher! Without asking for any comment or advice, Duryodhana blurts forth: “I do not want you to take any initiative yourself. All I ask you is to protect Bheeshma, my grandfather, who is invincible. As long as he is alive, I have no fear about the prospect of the war.
“So, I want you to put all your attention to see that Bheeshma is safe on all accounts. In pursuit of your own strategic moves and advances, Bheeshma’s safety should not be relegated. It is important to ensure Bheeshma’s safety, wherein lies the victory of my side.”
How belittling it is to speak like this to Drona! Duryodhana could have discussed his apprehensions respectfully, considering his relationship with Drona.
After all, Arjuna and others have only such fighting skills as Drona imparted and infused – obviously a unique advantage Duryodhana has!
