Shloka 17
मृगस्वप्नदर्शनम्
The Deer’s Dream-Appeal and the Move to Kāmyaka
न सामना प्रतिपद्येत यदि गन्धर्वराडसौ । पराक्रमेण मृदुना मोक्षयेथा: सुयोधनम्,“यदि समझाने-बुझानेसे वह गन्धर्वराज चित्रसेन तुम्हारी बात न माने तो कोमलतापूर्ण पराक्रमके द्वारा दुर्योधनको छुड़ानेकी चेष्टा करना
na sāmnā pratipadyeta yadi gandharvarāḍ asau | parākrameṇa mṛdunā mokṣayethāḥ suyodhanam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “If that king of the Gandharvas does not yield to conciliation, then strive to free Suyodhana (Duryodhana) by a gentle, restrained display of valor.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When peaceful persuasion fails, one may act with strength—but dharma requires that force be tempered by gentleness and restraint, aiming at protection and rescue rather than cruelty.
A counsel is given regarding the Gandharva king: if he will not agree to negotiation, then Duryodhana (Suyodhana) should be freed through a controlled, non-brutal exertion of valor.