Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 15
Brāhmaṇa-mahattva and Atithi-Dharma
Brahmagītā: Praise of Brāhmaṇas and norms of honor
यदि वैरिषु भृत्येषु स्वजनव्यवहारयो: । विषयेष्विन्द्रियाणां च आकाशे मा पराक्रम
yadi vairiṣu bhṛtyeṣu svajana-vyavahārayoḥ | viṣayeṣv indriyāṇāṁ ca ākāśe mā parākrama ||
“If you truly possess strength, display your valor where it is rightly tested—against enemies, in dealing with dependents and servants, in the conduct of one’s own people and in disputes between plaintiff and defendant, and in mastering the objects that tempt the senses. Do not waste your force on those who dwell in the sky; such aggression is misdirected and ethically hollow.”
श्येन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Strength and heroism are meaningful only when directed toward rightful arenas—defending against enemies, acting justly in social/legal dealings, and conquering one’s own senses. Misusing power against inappropriate targets is condemned.
Śyena offers counsel that reframes ‘parākrama’ (valor) as ethical discipline: prove power through responsible action in human conflicts and self-mastery, not by futile or wrongful aggression against beings ‘in the sky’ (i.e., remote or improper targets).