Shloka 14
सांख्ययोगभेदः तथा योगबलोपदेशः
Sāṃkhya–Yoga Distinction and Instruction on Yogic Strength
क्वासौ क्वासाविति प्राह गृहीत्वा परमायुधम् । उशना दूरतस्तस्य बभौ ज्ञात्वा चिकीर्षितम्
kvāsau kvāsāv iti prāha gṛhītvā paramāyudham | uśanā dūratas tasya babhau jñātvā cikīrṣitam ||
Bhīṣma sprach: Das höchste Geschoss ergreifend, rief er plötzlich: „Wo ist er, wo ist Uśanā?“ Doch Uśanā, der erkannte, was Mahādeva zu tun gedachte, hielt sich fern von ihm.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical restraint in the face of overwhelming power: when a superior force is about to be used with a dangerous intention, the wise (Ushana) avoids complicity and withdraws, implying that discernment and non-participation can be a form of dharmic conduct.
A figure (implied to be Mahadeva in the given context) takes up a supreme weapon and calls out for Ushana. Ushana understands the intention behind this act and therefore stays at a distance, avoiding direct engagement.