Shloka 9
अर्जुन–उलूपीसंवादः
Arjuna and Ulūpī: Explanation of Śānti and the Maṇipūra Resolution
भ्रात्रा ज्येष्देन नृपते तवापि विदितं ध्रुवम् । प्रहरस्व यथाशक्ति न मन्युर्विद्यते मम
bhrātrā jyeṣṭhena nṛpate tavāpi viditaṃ dhruvam | praharasva yathāśakti na manyur vidyate mama ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O king, this is certainly known to you as well: my elder brother has bound me by a vow. Therefore, strike me according to your strength. There is no anger in me.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid conflict, one may act firmly according to dharma and a binding vow while remaining free from personal anger; duty is performed without malice.
A king is told that Arjuna’s conduct is constrained by a vow imposed through his elder brother; therefore the king should fight to the best of his ability, while Arjuna bears no personal resentment.