Shloka 18
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 2: Karṇa’s lament, vow, and battle preparation after Bhīṣma’s fall
तपो<भ्युदीर्ण तपसैव बाध्यते बल॑ बलेनैव तथा मनस्विभि: । मनश्न मे शरत्रुनिवारणे ध्रुवं स्वरक्षणे चाचलवद् व्यवस्थितम्,“मनस्वी पुरुष बढ़े हुए तपका तपसे और प्रचण्ड बलका बलसे ही निवारण करते हैं। यह सोचकर मेरा मन भी शत्रुओंको रोकनेके लिये दृढ़ निश्चय किये हुए है तथा अपनी रक्षाके लिये भी पर्वतकी भाँति अविचल-भावसे स्थित है
tapo'bhyudīrṇaṁ tapasāiva bādhyate balaṁ balenaiva tathā manasvibhiḥ | manaś ca me śatrunivāraṇe dhruvaṁ svarakṣaṇe cācalavad vyavasthitam ||
Austerity that has risen to great intensity is checked only by austerity itself; and overwhelming force is restrained only by force—so too by men of steadfast resolve. With this understanding, my own mind stands firm in the resolve to hold back the enemies, and it is set, mountain-like and unmoving, upon self-protection as well.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts a principle of counterbalance: intensified power—whether ascetic (tapas) or martial (bala)—is effectively restrained only by an equivalent power, guided by steadfast resolve. Ethically, it frames resistance and protection as requiring disciplined firmness rather than hesitation.
Sanjaya describes his own settled intention: recognizing that enemies are checked by determined counter-effort, he says his mind is firmly fixed on repelling foes and ensuring protection, standing immovable like a mountain.