Shloka 20
सहाया ब्राह्मणा यस्य धृतिमन्तो जितेन्द्रिया: । तमुग्रतपसं वीरं कथं जेष्यसि पाण्डवम्
sahāyā brāhmaṇā yasya dhṛtimanto jitendriyāḥ | tam ugratapasaṃ vīraṃ kathaṃ jeṣyasi pāṇḍavam ||
قال بيشما: «من كان حلفاؤه من البراهمة—ثابتين في العزم، قاهرين للحواس—فكيف لك أن تهزم ذلك الباندافيَّ البطل، صاحب التقشّف العنيف؟»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma highlights that ethical and spiritual capital—self-mastery (jitendriyatā), steadfastness (dhṛti), and the support of disciplined brāhmaṇas—constitutes a form of power that can outweigh brute strength. Victory is not merely martial; it is grounded in inner restraint and righteous support.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war counsel, Bhīṣma warns the Kuru side that the Pāṇḍavas are backed by resolute, self-controlled brāhmaṇas and possess intense tapas. He questions how such a hero can be overcome, implying that the Kauravas should reconsider their course.