अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् ।
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् ॥ १० ॥
aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam
paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣhāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣhitam
हमारी सैन्यशक्ति असीमित है और महान योद्धा भीष्म द्वारा पूर्णतः संरक्षित हैं, और उनकी सैन्यशक्ति, जो भीम द्वारा संरक्षित है, बल में सीमित है।
Our army, completely protected by the great warrior Bhishma is unlimited in strength, while their army carefully secured by Bhima is limited in strength.
In Bhagavad Gita 1.10, we find Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince, making a strategic assessment of both armies as the battle of Kurukshetra is about to begin. He declares to his commander: "Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhīṣma, whereas the strength of the Pāṇḍavas, carefully protected by Bhīma, is limited."
This verse reveals Duryodhana's reasoning behind his confidence in victory. The prince isn't merely counting soldiers; he's placing his faith in Bhishma, the legendary warrior and elder statesman. The Sanskrit word "aparyāptaṁ" that Duryodhana uses carries dual meanings - either "immeasurable" or "insufficient" - a deliberate wordplay that serves his political purposes. By suggesting their strength is immeasurable, he bolsters Bhishma's confidence, while the alternate meaning might be intended to motivate Drona, another key commander.
Duryodhana's comparison between Bhishma and Bhima is particularly revealing. From a purely martial perspective, Bhishma possessed superior skills and experience compared to Bhima. However, what Duryodhana fails to recognize is the critical difference in motivation between the two warriors. Bhishma fought with reluctance, knowing he stood on the wrong side of dharma (righteousness), while Bhima fought with complete conviction and fervor, believing fully in the righteousness of the Pandava cause.
This verse captures a pivotal moment of dramatic irony. Duryodhana believes his army's strength is "safely marshalled" by Bhishma, yet is blind to the moral weakness undermining his position. He sees only the external factors - numbers, skills, tactical advantages - while ignoring the internal factors that ultimately determine victory: conviction, moral standing, and alignment with dharma.
The scene encapsulates a universal truth about conflict: those who measure strength solely in material terms often overlook the power of conviction and righteousness. Duryodhana's confidence stems from "borrowed strength" - he relies entirely on Bhishma's prowess rather than his own merit. This dependence creates a fundamental weakness in his position, as he must constantly maintain diplomatic relations with allies who don't fully share his values or objectives.
This verse appears early in the Gita's narrative, before Krishna has begun his spiritual teachings to Arjuna. It sets the stage by showing how worldly calculations often fail to account for deeper truths. While Arjuna will soon face an existential crisis questioning the very purpose of the battle, Duryodhana remains trapped in a simplistic view of strength and victory based purely on material assessments.
The irony of Duryodhana's confidence becomes apparent as the Mahabharata unfolds. Despite the "immeasurable" strength he perceives, his side ultimately faces defeat. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that authentic strength comes not merely from numbers or talents, but from conviction, righteous purpose, and alignment with dharma. It warns against placing excessive faith in external guarantees while ignoring the internal compass that guides us toward right action.
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