10.005
Kṛpa said:
In my opinion, a man with uncontrolled senses and poor intellect, even if he is eager to learn, cannot fully comprehend the principles of dharma and artha.
Similarly, a wise person who does not learn humility and knows nothing cannot have certainty in matters of righteousness and purpose.
A wise person, eager to learn and with controlled senses, should understand all scriptures and not oppose what is acceptable.
The uncontrolled and disrespectful wicked person, ignoring his fate, engages in many sinful acts instead of pursuing what is auspicious.
Friends restrain those who have protectors from committing sins, but those who are fortunate turn back, unlike those who are unfortunate.
Just as an agitated mind can be controlled by various words, similarly, a friend can influence both the possible and the impossible.
In the same way, when a wise friend is engaged in sinful actions, the wise ones restrain him to the best of their ability, repeatedly.
Dear one, make your mind auspicious and control yourself by yourself. Follow my words so that you will not regret later.
In this world, according to dharma, killing those who are asleep is not honored, nor is it for those who have laid down their weapons and freed their chariots and horses.
Those who declare 'I am yours' and seek refuge, those with unbound hair, and those whose vehicles are destroyed.
Today, O lord, the Panchalas, having removed their armor, will sleep through the night with confidence, all appearing as if they are dead and unconscious.
A person who is dishonest and betrays others in those situations will clearly find himself sinking into a vast, bottomless hell without any means of rescue.
You are renowned as the best among all the learned in weaponry in the world, and there is not even the slightest sin of yours in this world.
You will rise again like the sun tomorrow, becoming the light for all beings and the conqueror of enemies in battle.
My thought is that a blameworthy action in you would be as unexpected as red placed on white.
Ashwatthama spoke:
"Indeed, as you have stated, I am instructing here, uncle. However, this bridge was previously shattered into a hundred pieces by them."
In the presence of the kings and you, my father, who was unarmed, was killed by Dhrishtadyumna.
Karna, the foremost among charioteers, found himself in dire straits when the wheel of his chariot fell off. In this moment of great calamity, he was killed by Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
Thus, Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu, laid down his weapons and was killed by Arjuna, who placed Śikhaṇḍin in front as a shield.
Bhūriśravā, a great archer, advanced into the battle and was struck down by Yuyudhāna amidst the cries of the kings.
Duryodhana was unrighteously struck down by Bhima with a mace in battle, as the kings watched.
The lone warrior, though surrounded by many great charioteers, was unrighteously brought down by Bhimasena, the tiger among men.
The lamentation of the one with broken thighs, heard by my king, deeply affects me as the messengers narrate it.
Thus, why do you not condemn the unrighteous and sinful Panchalas who have broken all barriers and boundaries?
Having slain the father-killers and the Panchalas at night during the massacre, I may indeed be reborn as an insect or a moth, as I desire.
I am in a hurry today to accomplish what I desire. For someone like me who is in haste, where is the time for sleep or comfort?
There is no man born in this world, nor will there be anyone in the future, who can change my decision regarding their execution.
Sanjaya said:
Having addressed the king in this manner, the valiant son of Droṇa privately harnessed his horses and set out towards the enemy.
Bhoja and Sharadvata, the two great souls, asked him: "What is this chariot prepared for, and what task do you intend to accomplish?"
You, O best of men, have departed with us for the same purpose. You should not doubt our boat, as we are together in both happiness and distress.
Ashwatthama, in his fury and remembering his father's death, revealed to them his true intentions.
After slaying hundreds of thousands of warriors with sharp arrows, my father, having surrendered his weapons, was slain by Dhrishtadyumna.
I will slay the unarmed son of the king of Panchala today, who is sinful by his sinful deeds.
My thought is: How can the sinner Panchala, whom I have killed like an animal, attain the worlds that are won through the battle of weapons?
The scorchers of foes, quickly armored and equipped with swords and drawn bows, stood ready, awaiting the best chariots.
After speaking thus, he mounted his chariot and advanced towards the enemies. Kṛpa, Kṛtavarmā, and Sātvata followed him, O King.
The three warriors departed, shining brightly as they faced the enemy, like kindled sacrificial fires being offered in a ritual.
They went to their camp where everyone was asleep. At the entrance, Aśvatthāmā stood on his magnificent chariot.
