04.047
Bhishma said.
O dear, fractions of a kala combine, as do muhurtas and days, fortnights and months, as
well as constellations and planets. (04-47-1)
The seasons and also the years are joined together; thus, by the division of time, the
wheel of time revolves. (04-47-2)
For them, due to excess of time and the irregularity of the luminaries, two extra months
arise in every fifth year. (04-47-3)
In my opinion, for them, the time exceeds by five months and twelve nights; thus, I
consider it to be of thirteen years. (04-47-4)
Having ascertained that everything happened as had been reported by these, Bībhatsu
(Arjuna) then came. (4-47-5)
All those great-souled men, all well versed in righteousness and purpose, whose king is
Yudhishthira—why would they ever transgress dharma? (04-47-6)
The sons of Kunti are not greedy and have performed difficult deeds; nor would they desire
merely the kingdom by unrighteous means. (04-47-7)
At that very moment, the sons of the Kauravas indeed wished to charge forward, but bound
by the bonds of dharma, they did not waver from the kṣatriya's vow. (04-47-8)
O sons of Pṛthā, that which is regarded as falsehood, and that which would lead to
ruin—all these, it is better to choose death than falsehood under any circumstances.
(04-47-9)
But when the time for gaining what is to be gained arrives, the foremost of men should not
let it go. Even if what is sought is protected by the bearer of the thunderbolt, the
Pāṇḍavas indeed have the strength. (04-47-10)
Let us fight in battle the foremost among all warriors. Therefore, let that which is
regarded as auspicious in this world and practiced by the virtuous be promptly arranged, so
that our aim is not overtaken by others. (04-47-11)
I do not see, O Kaurava, any possibility of complete victory in battle at any time, O
king, and Dhananjaya has attained it. (04-47-12)
But once battle has begun, either existence or non-existence, victory or defeat, is surely
encountered; this has always been observed, there is no doubt about it. (04-47-13)
Therefore, O king, let the action related to battle or established in dharma be performed
quickly, for Dhanañjaya has arrived. (04-47-14)
Duryodhana said.
O grandfather, I will not give the kingdom to the Pāṇḍavas. But let that, which concerns
the conduct of the war, be arranged quickly. (04-47-15)
Bhishma said.
Here is my idea; let it be heard if it pleases you. Let one fourth of the army quickly go
towards the city. Then let another fourth take the cows and depart. (4-47-16)
But we, with just half our army, shall oppose the Pāṇḍava; or we shall face the Matsya
king if he returns, or even Indra himself. (04-47-17)
Let the teacher stand in the center; but let Aśvatthāman (stand) on the left. Let the wise
Kṛpa, son of Śāradvat, protect the right side. (04-47-18)
Let the son of the charioteer, Karṇa, stand armed at the front; I shall stay at the rear
of the entire army, protecting it. (04-47-19)
