Shloka 23
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
चत्वारस्तेन मे वाहा: सूतश्वचैव विशाम्पते | प्रतिरुद्धास्तथैवाहं समरे दंशित: स्थित:,आचार्यता मानिता मे निर्मयदि हापि त्वयि । भूयश्व शृणु मे ब्रह्मन् सम्पदं धर्मसंग्रहे “ब्रह्मन! यद्यपि आप अपनी मर्यादा छोड़े बैठे हैं तो भी मैंने सदा आपके आचार्यत्वका सम्मान किया है। धर्मसंग्रहके विषयमें मेरा जो दृढ़ विचार है, उसे आप पुनः सुन लीजिये
catvāras tena me vāhāḥ sūtaśvaś caiva viśāmpate | pratiruddhās tathaivāhaṃ samare daṃśitaḥ sthitaḥ | ācāryatā mānitā me nirmadayi hāpi tvayi | bhūyaś ca śṛṇu me brahman sampadaṃ dharmasaṅgrahe ||
Therefore I have four steeds, O lord of the people, and my charioteer and horses stand checked in the press of battle while I remain poised and armed. Even though you have cast aside restraint, I have always honored you as my teacher. Now, O Brahmin, listen once more to my settled conviction regarding the true “wealth” that lies in the keeping and consolidation of dharma.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid conflict, one should uphold dharma through humility and continued respect for one’s teacher; true ‘wealth’ (sampad) is the steadfast preservation and consolidation of righteous conduct (dharmasaṅgraha), not mere power or victory.
Rama speaks from a battle setting, describing his chariot team and readiness. He addresses a revered Brahmin/teacher, stating that despite the other’s lapse in restraint, he has maintained due honor, and he urges the listener to hear again his firm view about dharma and what constitutes real prosperity.