Shloka 3
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 123 — Bhīṣma–Droṇa–Vidura Upadeśa to Duryodhana
Keśava-vākya aftermath
न त्वहं स्ववशस्तात क्रियमाणं न मे प्रियम् । (न मंस्यन्ते दुरात्मान: पुत्रा मम जनार्दन ।) अड़ुं दुर्योधनं कृष्ण मन्दं शास्त्रातिगं मम
na tv ahaṁ svavaśas tāta kriyamāṇaṁ na me priyam | (na maṁsyante durātmānaḥ putrā mama janārdana |) aḍuṁ duryodhanaṁ kṛṣṇa mandaṁ śāstrātigaṁ mama
Vaiśampāyana sprach: „Doch, lieber Freund, ich handle nicht aus eigenem freien Willen; was geschieht, ist mir nicht angenehm. Jene meine Söhne mit verderbter Seele, o Janārdana, werden auf guten Rat nicht hören. O Kṛṣṇa, Duryodhana ist starrsinnig und stumpf und überschreitet die Grenzen des Śāstra — das ist mein Kummer.“
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical accountability: when leaders or heirs become śāstrātiga—transgressing moral and scriptural restraint—wise counsel fails, and even those who disapprove may feel powerless. It underscores the danger of obstinacy and the necessity of heeding dharmic guidance.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations and counsel, the speaker laments that events are unfolding against his preference because Duryodhana (and the Kaurava party) will not accept good advice. Kṛṣṇa is addressed as Janārdana, indicating an appeal to his moral authority and diplomatic role.