Shloka 14
Chapter 15: Counsel on Initiative vs. Renunciation in the Rajasuya Project (सभापर्व, अध्याय १५)
(त्वद्बुद्धिबलम॒श्रित्य सर्व प्राप्स्यति धर्मराट् | जयोअस्माकं हि गोविन्द येषां नाथो भवान् सदा ।।
tvad-buddhi-balam āśritya sarvaṁ prāpsyati dharmarāṭ | jayo 'smākaṁ hi govinda yeṣāṁ nātho bhavān sadā ||
kṛṣṇa uvāca |
arthān ārabhate bālo nānubandham avekṣate |
tasmād ariṁ na mṛṣyanti bālam artha-parāyaṇam ||
Relying on the strength of your counsel and discernment, O Govinda, Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira can attain every good. Indeed, victory is assured for us, for those whose constant protector and lord you are cannot be overcome. Kṛṣṇa said: A foolish man undertakes great enterprises without considering their consequences and follow-on effects. Therefore, men of valor do not tolerate the conduct of an enemy who is devoid of judgment and driven only by self-interest.
कृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Kṛṣṇa highlights practical wisdom in action: immature or foolish people launch major undertakings without examining their downstream consequences (anubandha). Such self-interested, unreflective behavior—especially in an adversary—cannot be indulged by the wise and valorous; prudent leadership requires foresight and accountability.
The passage first affirms confidence in the Pāṇḍavas’ success because Kṛṣṇa (Govinda) is their constant protector and because Yudhiṣṭhira can achieve his aims by relying on Kṛṣṇa’s counsel and strength. Kṛṣṇa then speaks as an adviser, warning about the danger posed by an enemy who acts rashly and selfishly without considering consequences.