Shloka 29
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
भीष्म उवाच प्रजानां क्रोशतीनां वै नैवाक्षुभ्यत मे मन: । प्रतिज्ञां रक्षमाणस्य सद् वृत्तं स्मरतस्तथा,भीष्म कहते हैं--प्रजाओंकी यह करुण पुकार सुनकर भी प्रतिज्ञाकी रक्षा और सदाचारका स्मरण करके मेरा मन क्षुब्ध नहीं हुआ
bhīṣma uvāca prajānāṁ krośatīnāṁ vai naivākṣubhyata me manaḥ | pratijñāṁ rakṣamāṇasya sadvṛttaṁ smaratastathā ||
Bhishma said: Even when I heard the people crying out in anguish, my mind did not waver at all; for I was intent on safeguarding my vow, and I kept the remembrance of righteous conduct firmly before me.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadfastness in a solemn vow, supported by constant remembrance of righteous conduct (sadvṛtta), can keep the mind unshaken even amid intense public distress; it highlights inner discipline and commitment to dharma as a stabilizing force.
Bhishma reflects on a moment when the people lamented loudly; despite their cries, he says his mind did not become disturbed because he was focused on preserving his pledge and recalling the standards of proper conduct.