Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 29
Dadhīci’s Supreme Charity and the Opening of Indra’s War with Vṛtrāsura
ते स्वप्रयासं वितथं निरीक्ष्य हरावभक्ता हतयुद्धदर्पा: । पलायनायाजिमुखे विसृज्य पतिं मनस्ते दधुरात्तसारा: ॥ २९ ॥
te sva-prayāsaṁ vitathaṁ nirīkṣya harāv abhaktā hata-yuddha-darpāḥ palāyanāyāji-mukhe visṛjya patiṁ manas te dadhur ātta-sārāḥ
The asuras, who are never devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, lost their pride in fighting when they found all their endeavors futile. Leaving aside their leader even in the very beginning of the fight, they decided to flee because all their prowess had been taken away by the enemy.
FAQs
This verse says that those without devotion to Hari, when their efforts fail, quickly lose their battle-pride and inner strength, becoming inclined to flee.
Because their attempts proved futile and their confidence collapsed; lacking devotion to Hari, they lost steadiness and deserted their commander in fear.
When plans fail, bhakti-centered steadiness helps one remain courageous and responsible, instead of panicking, blaming others, or abandoning duties.