Shloka 51
अध्याय ४ — दुर्योधनस्य असंधि-निश्चयः
Duryodhana’s Refusal of Reconciliation
पथ्यं राजन् ब्रवीमि त्वां तत्परासु: स्मरिष्यसि । “राजन! मैं इस संधिको ही तुम्हारे लिये कल्याणकारी मानता हूँ। पाण्डवोंके साथ किये जानेवाले युद्धको नहीं। मैं कायरता या प्राण-रक्षाकी भावनासे यह सब नहीं कहता हूँ। तुम्हारे हितकी बात बता रहा हूँ। तुम मरणासन्न अवस्थामें मेरी यह बात याद करोगे || ५० न! इति वृद्धों विलप्यैतत् कृप: शारद्वतो वच: । दीर्घमुष्णं च नि:श्वस्य शुशोच च मुमोह च
sañjaya uvāca | pathyaṃ rājan bravīmi tvāṃ tatparāsuḥ smariṣyasi | na iti vṛddho vilapyaitat kṛpaḥ śāradvato vacaḥ | dīrghamuṣṇaṃ ca niḥśvasya śuśoca ca mumohaca |
Sañjaya said: “O King, I tell you what is wholesome and truly for your good; when you are at the very edge of life, you will remember this.” Having lamented thus, the aged Kṛpa—son of Śāradvat—replied, “No.” Then, drawing long, hot breaths, he sank into grief and bewilderment.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sound counsel (pathya) should be heeded before catastrophe; when one is near ruin, the truth becomes unforgettable. The verse underscores ethical responsibility in advising rulers and the tragic cost of rejecting timely guidance.
Sañjaya reports a moment of urgent admonition to the king: advice meant for the king’s welfare will be remembered at death’s door. Kṛpa, aged and distressed, responds with refusal (“No”) and then collapses into heavy sighing, grief, and confusion.