Shloka 33
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 141: Bhīma–Hiḍimba Confrontation and Protective Discourse
मतमेतच्च भीष्मस्य न स राज्यं बुभुक्षति । अस्माकं तु परां पीडां चिकीर्षन्ति पुरे जना:,भीष्मजी तो इस बातको मान लेंगे; क्योंकि वे स्वयं राज्य भोगना नहीं चाहते। परंतु नगरके लोग हमारे लिये बहुत बड़े कष्टका आयोजन करना चाहते हैं
matam etac ca bhīṣmasya na sa rājyaṃ bubhukṣati | asmākaṃ tu parāṃ pīḍāṃ cikīrṣanti pure janāḥ ||
Duryodhana sprach: „Dies ist in der Tat Bhīṣmas Ansicht — und er wird sie annehmen, denn er selbst begehrt nicht, die Königsherrschaft zu genießen. Doch die Leute der Stadt sind darauf aus, großes Leid über uns zu bringen.“
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how personal renunciation (Bhīṣma’s lack of desire for kingship) can make a respected elder appear politically neutral, while public sentiment can still become a powerful force that threatens rulers. It underscores the ethical tension between rightful governance and fear-driven politics.
Duryodhana assesses the political situation: he believes Bhīṣma will agree with a proposed course because Bhīṣma is not motivated by personal ambition for the throne. Yet Duryodhana worries that the city’s people are planning or desiring to cause serious trouble for the Kauravas.