Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 29
Dadhīci’s Supreme Charity and the Opening of Indra’s War with Vṛtrāsura
ते स्वप्रयासं वितथं निरीक्ष्य हरावभक्ता हतयुद्धदर्पा: । पलायनायाजिमुखे विसृज्य पतिं मनस्ते दधुरात्तसारा: ॥ २९ ॥
te sva-prayāsaṁ vitathaṁ nirīkṣya harāv abhaktā hata-yuddha-darpāḥ palāyanāyāji-mukhe visṛjya patiṁ manas te dadhur ātta-sārāḥ
The asuras, never devotees of Hari—Lord Kṛṣṇa—saw their own efforts turn futile and their pride in battle was crushed. Abandoning their leader from the very outset, they resolved to flee, for the enemy had stripped away the essence of their strength.
FAQs
This verse says that those without devotion to Hari, when their efforts fail, quickly lose their battle-pride and inner strength, becoming inclined to flee.
Because their attempts proved futile and their confidence collapsed; lacking devotion to Hari, they lost steadiness and deserted their commander in fear.
When plans fail, bhakti-centered steadiness helps one remain courageous and responsible, instead of panicking, blaming others, or abandoning duties.