Shloka 23
अलर्कोपाख्यानम् — Indriya-Nigraha and Yogic Victory
Mahābhārata 14.30
तच्छुत्वा स विचिन्त्याथ ततो वचनमत्रवीत्,यह सुनकर अलर्कने कुछ देर विचार करनेके बाद (बुद्धिको लक्ष्य करके) यह बात कही
tac chrutvā sa vicintyātha tato vacanam abravīt
Hearing those words, Alarka reflected for a moment; then, taking Buddhi—the intellect—as his guide, he spoke in reply, showing a deliberate and reasoned response rather than an impulsive reaction.
अलर्क उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical speech: one should listen carefully, reflect with discernment (buddhi), and only then respond—showing restraint and reasoned judgment as marks of dharma.
After hearing the preceding statement, Alarka pauses to think and then begins his reply, indicating a transition to his considered response in the dialogue.