Verse 7
asmākaṁ tu viśiṣṭā ye tān nibodha dvijottama
nāyakā mama sainyasya saṁjñārthaṁ tān bravīmi te
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- asmākam — of our side
- tu — but, indeed
- viśiṣṭāḥ — distinguished, eminent
- ye — who
- tān — them
- nibodha — know, understand
- dvija-uttama — O best of the twice-born (i.e., Brahmin, referring to Dronacharya)
- nāyakāḥ — leaders, generals
- mama — of my
- sainyasya — army
- saṁjñā-artham — for your knowledge/recognition
- tān bravīmi te — I will name them to you
“But, O best of the Brahmins, please hear about the distinguished leaders of my army. For your understanding, I shall name the commanders of my forces.”
Expanded Interpretation:
1. Shift of Focus: Duryodhana’s Own Army
Having listed the prominent warriors on the Pandava side, Duryodhana now turns attention to his own forces. He wants to assert that his army, too, is led by mighty heroes. This is both a defensive and persuasive move.
2. Addressing Dronacharya with Respect:
By calling Drona dvijottama (best among the twice-born), Duryodhana flatters him. This respectful form of address is strategic — he is trying to invoke loyalty and stir Drona’s involvement emotionally and intellectually.
3. Naming for Recognition:
Duryodhana says he will name the generals of his army “saṁjñārtham” — for recognition or identification. This shows that he wishes to emphasize that his side is not lacking in power or leadership.
Philosophical Perspective:
Psychological Maneuver:
Duryodhana’s words show a mix of pride, insecurity, and strategy. After listing the strong Pandava warriors, he feels compelled to present his side’s strength — perhaps to reassure himself, his teacher, or both.
Naming as Empowerment:
By publicly naming his generals, Duryodhana acknowledges their importance. Recognition is a powerful leadership tool — it strengthens morale and creates a sense of honor and duty.
Spiritual Symbolism:
This verse reminds us that in life:
- Acknowledging your own strengths is as important as recognizing challenges.
- Respecting mentors and leaders can inspire loyalty and engagement.
- Naming your assets — whether people, qualities, or tools — is a way of calling them into active use.
In our inner battlefields, naming our inner strengths (such as courage, clarity, determination) brings them to the forefront and prepares us to face adversity.
Conclusion:
Verse 7 serves as a transition. After acknowledging the formidable opponents, Duryodhana now prepares to list his own champions — an act of reassurance and leadership. It reflects the importance of knowing your team, valuing your assets, and strategic communication in any conflict, internal or external.
Reflection Questions for You:
When you’re under pressure, do you take time to recognize and name your strengths?
How do you honor those who support you in your battles, like mentors or teammates?
Do you use confidence or fear to motivate yourself and others?