Shloka 18
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
यदि भीष्मो रणश्लाघी न करिष्यति मे वच: । हनिष्याम्येनमुद्रिक्तमिति मे निश्चिता मतिः,यदि युद्धकी स्पृहा रखनेवाला भीष्म मेरी बात नहीं मानेगा तो मैं उस अभिमानीको मार डालूँगा; यह मेरा निश्चित विचार है
yadi bhīṣmo raṇaślāghī na kariṣyati me vacaḥ | haniṣyāmy enam udriktam iti me niścitā matiḥ ||
Rāma said: “If Bhīṣma—who prides himself on battle—will not carry out my command, then I shall slay that overbearing man. This is my settled resolve.”
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes firm resolve in upholding one’s command and the expectation that a warrior’s pride must be subordinated to rightful authority; unchecked arrogance (udrikta) is presented as a fault warranting decisive correction, even in a martial framework.
Rāma declares that if Bhīṣma, characterized as one who prides himself on battle, refuses to follow Rāma’s instruction, then Rāma will kill him; it is stated as a final, determined decision.