04.028
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Kṛpa, son of Śaradvat, said: "The words spoken by the elder to the Pāṇḍavas are proper and fitting." (04-28-1)
Hear here also my speech, which is combined with righteousness and purpose, gentle, real, and furnished with reasoning, as is appropriate for Bhīṣma. (04-28-2)
Let their route by the crossings and their residence be considered; also, let the course of action which would now be beneficial be determined. (04-28-3)
One should not disregard an enemy, O dear one, even if he is an ordinary person, when one wishes to survive; how much more so the Pāṇḍavas, O dear one, who are skilled in all weapons in battle? (04-28-4)
Therefore, when the great-souled Pāṇḍavas, having entered the sacrifice with hidden intentions and while being concealed, and when the right moment for commencement had arrived (04-28-5)
One should know one's own strength in both one's own and other countries; at the rise of the Pāṇḍavas and when the time comes, there is no doubt about this. (04-28-6)
The Pāṇḍavas, the sons of Pṛthā, whose destined time has come, who are great-souled, mighty, and full of enthusiasm, will indeed be of extraordinary brilliance. (04-28-7)
Therefore, let strength, treasure, and policy also be organized, so that when the proper time comes, with the right means, we may achieve our goal. (04-28-8)
O dear one, I think all that; therefore, understand your own strength. Certainly, among all friends, among the strong and among the weak, too. (04-28-9)
O Bhārata, having understood the strengths of both higher and lower forces, as well as the neutrals, let us thus organize both the elated and the not elated together with others. (04-28-10)
One should employ conciliation, division, gifts, punishment, or the act of offering tribute; approach others justly without submission, and the weak by force, also without submission. (04-28-11)
By conciliating your friends and the army and offering them comfort, with your treasury and army increased, you will properly attain success. (04-28-12)
You may have to fight against strong enemies who are present, or with others, or even with the Pāṇḍavas themselves, perhaps lacking your own army and chariots. (04-28-13)
O best of men, thus, having thoroughly determined all things and acting according to your own dharma, at the proper time you shall attain happiness for a long time. (04-28-14)
