12.100
Bhīṣma said.
Here too, they recount this ancient story: Pratardana and the king of Mithila engaged in battle there.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, know how Janaka, the king of Mithila, wearing the sacred thread, stirred up the warriors in battle.
Janaka, the great-souled king of Mithila and knower of all principles, showed his warriors both heaven and hell.
Behold these shining worlds of the fearless! They are filled with Gandharva maidens, inexhaustible, and grant every desire.
For those who flee, these hells have appeared. Eternal disgrace will certainly befall them immediately after.
Having seen them, and having conquered your enemies, with a mind set on renunciation, do not become subject to the control of the unstable hell.
“The supreme gateway to heaven for heroes is indeed founded on renunciation.” Thus, addressed by the king, those warriors, conquerors of enemy cities, were inspired.
Conquering enemies in battle and bringing joy to the king, therefore, a self-controlled person must always stand firm at the forefront of the battlefield.
Charioteers should be placed among the elephants; after the chariots, the horsemen; and between the horsemen, the infantry should be arranged here.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, the king who arranges the army in this manner always conquers his enemies. Therefore, you should always arrange it in this way.
All, desiring virtuous deeds and filled with great pride, sought to disturb the armies by excellent battle, just as crocodiles agitate the ocean.
They should encourage those who are despondent, organize themselves together, protect the conquered territory, and not excessively pursue those who are defeated.
O king, for those who are returning again and for the hopeless in life, speed is not easily bearable; therefore, one should not pursue them too hard.
True heroes do not wish to strike those who have fled out of fear. Therefore, one should not excessively pursue those who are running away.
The immobile are eaten by the mobile; the fangless are eaten by the fanged; the handless are eaten by the handed; the timid are prey to the brave.
Those with equal backs, bellies, hands, and feet—the fearful—follow the hero from behind. Therefore, those stricken by fear, bowing down again with joined hands, approach the heroes.
People always rely on the arms of heroes as they would on a son. Therefore, in all circumstances, a hero is worthy of honor.
Truly, there is nothing greater than valor in the three worlds. The brave protect everything; everything is founded upon the brave.
