07.023
Pancharatra and Core: Dhritarashtra laments the loss of Bhishma and Drona, blaming destiny, and further enquires about the progress of the battle.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
These chariots, led by Bhima, who retreated in the battle, would even distress the army of the gods.
This man, indeed, becomes engaged only by destiny; in that alone, however, all purposes of different kinds are indeed seen.
Yudhishthira, with matted hair, lived in the forest in disguise for a long time, unknown to the world.
He gathered a mighty army for the battle. What else transpired due to the alignment of fate and my son?
A man is inevitably born connected to his destiny; he is led by it, not as he wishes himself.
Yudhishthira, having fallen into the vice of gambling, was indeed troubled. However, by fortune, he once again found his companions.
Half of my kingdom was acquired by Kekaya, Kashikas, and Kosalas; the Chedis and other Vangas have sought refuge in me alone.
Duryodhana, in his foolishness, said to me, 'Father, the earth is greater, but not so for my Arjuna,' at that time, O charioteer.
In the midst of his army, Drona was protected, but was killed by the son of Prishata in battle. What else can be attributed to destiny?
In the midst of the kings, how did death approach the mighty-armed Droṇa, who was always delighting in battle and was an expert in all weapons?
I am in extreme distress and confusion, having heard of the deaths of Bhishma and Drona. I feel unable to continue living.
O charioteer, everything that my father told me, foreseeing his son's greed, has come true with Duryodhana and me.
It would be extremely cruel if Duryodhana is abandoned. I wish to act in a way that supports the remaining son, ensuring that the hardship does not result in death.
A man who abandons his duty and becomes focused on wealth indeed falls from this world and attains a state of insignificance.
Today, O Sañjaya, I see no remnant of this kingdom, as its spirit is crushed and nothing remains.
How can there be anything left of the two great leaders who have passed away, whom we always follow, the forgiving and noble bulls among men?
Clearly, tell me how the battle unfolded. Who were the ones who fought, who withdrew, and who were the cowards that fled in fear?
Tell me what Arjuna, the best of charioteers, did, as our greatest fear is especially from the enemy.
As the Pāṇḍavas withdrew, O Sañjaya, the assembly of my remaining army was very terrible. And who were the heroes among my people who engaged in battle there?
