Shloka 28
Vyāsa’s Vision, the Power of Bhāgavatam, and the Arrest of Aśvatthāmā
न ह्यस्यान्यतमं किञ्चिदस्त्रं प्रत्यवकर्शनम् । जह्यस्त्रतेज उन्नद्धमस्त्रज्ञो ह्यस्त्रतेजसा ॥ २८ ॥
na hy asyānyatamaṁ kiñcid astraṁ pratyavakarśanam jahy astra-teja unnaddham astra-jño hy astra-tejasā
O Arjuna, kein anderes Geschoss kann es aufhalten als ein weiteres brahmāstra. Da du in der Waffenwissenschaft kundig bist, bezwinge den entfesselten Glanz dieser Waffe durch die Kraft deiner eigenen Waffe.
For the atomic bombs there is no counterweapon to neutralize the effects. But by subtle science the action of a brahmāstra can be counteracted, and those who were expert in the military science in those days could counteract the brahmāstra. The son of Droṇācārya did not know the art of counteracting the weapon, and therefore Arjuna was asked to counteract it by the power of his own weapon.
FAQs
This verse states that the Brahmāstra cannot be withdrawn by ordinary means; it must be checked by the power of another weapon, so Arjuna is instructed to retract/neutralize the unleashed weapon-force using his astra-knowledge.
Because a devastating weapon had been released and there was no simple countermeasure; Kṛṣṇa, guiding Arjuna in crisis, instructs him to use appropriate astra-tejas to stop the destructive force and protect all beings.
When harm has been set in motion, it often requires a focused, appropriate countermeasure—not panic or neglect—guided by wisdom, restraint, and the intent to protect others.