Shloka 16
Nakula’s Adaptive Counsel to Kṛṣṇa in the Kuru Assembly (उद्योगपर्व, अध्याय ७८)
संजानंस्तस्य चात्मानं मम चैव परं मतम् । अजानन्निव मां कस्मादर्जुनाद्याभिशड्कसे
sañjānans tasya cātmānaṁ mama caiva paraṁ matam | ajānann iva māṁ kasmād arjunādyābhiśaṅkase ||
“Knowing well Duryodhana’s intent and also my own firm resolve, why do you, Arjuna, doubt me today as though you did not know?”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one understands an adversary’s motives and an ally’s settled commitment, ethical action requires steadiness and trust rather than wavering suspicion; doubt at decisive moments weakens righteous resolve and clouds judgment.
In the tense lead-up to war, Arjuna is addressed and questioned for showing mistrust despite already knowing Duryodhana’s hostile intent and the speaker’s firm determination; the line functions as a corrective, pressing Arjuna to abandon needless suspicion and act with clarity.