Dadhīci’s Supreme Charity and the Opening of Indra’s War with Vṛtrāsura
वृत्रोऽसुरांस्ताननुगान् मनस्वी प्रधावत: प्रेक्ष्य बभाष एतत् । पलायितं प्रेक्ष्य बलं च भग्नं भयेन तीव्रेण विहस्य वीर: ॥ ३० ॥
vṛtro ’surāṁs tān anugān manasvī pradhāvataḥ prekṣya babhāṣa etat palāyitaṁ prekṣya balaṁ ca bhagnaṁ bhayena tīvreṇa vihasya vīraḥ
Seeing his army shattered and all the asuras—even those famed as mighty heroes—fleeing the battlefield in intense fear, Vṛtrāsura, the truly great-hearted warrior, smiled and spoke the following words.
This verse highlights Vṛtrāsura’s fearlessness and resolve—he laughs even as his own forces flee in terror, showing steadiness in the face of danger.
Seeing his followers panic and retreat, Vṛtrāsura responds like a leader and warrior—first laughing at their fear, then addressing them to correct their mindset and rally them.
When others panic or give up, remain steady and clear-minded; respond with composure and leadership rather than being pulled into collective fear.