Shloka 12
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
तदनन्तर वह युद्ध उपस्थित होनेपर समस्त देवताओं और असुरोंके दलोंमें रणवाद्योंका भीषण नाद होने लगा ।। अथ वृत्रस्य कौरव्य दूष्टवा शक्रमवस्थितम् । न सम्भ्रमो न भी: काचिदास्था वा समजायत
atha vṛtrasya kauravya dṛṣṭvā śakram avasthitam | na sambhramo na bhīḥ kācid āsthā vā samajāyata ||
Bhishma said: “Then, when the battle was at hand, a dreadful roar of war-instruments arose among the hosts of gods and asuras. O descendant of Kuru, when Vṛtra saw Indra standing ready, he felt neither agitation nor fear, nor any wavering resolve.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights inner steadiness in the face of imminent conflict: even upon seeing a formidable opponent prepared for battle, one should not be overcome by agitation (sambhrama) or fear (bhī), but remain firm in resolve (āsthā).
As the battle between the devas and asuras is about to begin and war-drums resound, Vṛtra beholds Indra (Śakra) standing ready. Vṛtra’s mind remains unshaken—no panic, no fear, and no wavering determination arises in him.