Shloka 5
Kṛṣṇa’s Dhyāna and the Prompt to Question Bhīṣma (कृष्णध्यानं भीष्मप्रश्नप्रेरणा च)
नेड़न्ति तव रोमाणि स्थिरा बुद्धिस्तथा मन: । काष्ठकुड्यशिलाभूतो निरीहश्चासि माधव
neḍanti tava romāṇi sthirā buddhis tathā manaḥ | kāṣṭha-kuḍya-śilā-bhūto nirīhaś cāsi mādhava ||
قال يودهيشثيرا: «قد انتصبت شعيرات جسدك، ومع ذلك لا ترتجف قيد أنملة. عقلك المميِّز وذهنك ثابتان. يا ماذافا، لقد صرت كخشبٍ أو جدارٍ أو حجر—بلا أي جهدٍ ظاهر.»
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of inner steadiness: even when the body shows a strong reaction (hairs bristling), the mind and intellect can remain unwavering. It points to disciplined equanimity and freedom from impulsive outward action (nirīhatā) as an ethical strength.
Yudhiṣṭhira addresses Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa), observing his unusual composure. He notes that despite a sign of intense feeling (bristling hairs), Kṛṣṇa remains motionless and mentally steady, likened to inert, firm objects such as wood, a wall, and stone.