Shloka 10
आचार्य-क्षमा, देśa–kāla-नīti, तथा भेद-दोषः
Teacher-Reconciliation, Timing-Policy, and the Fault of Factionalism
संस्थाप्य चाश्वान् कौन्तेय: समुद्यम्य च रश्मिभि: । उत्तरं च परिष्वज्य समाश्चासयदर्जुन:,तब कुन्तीनन्दन अर्जुनने स्वयं रास खींचकर घोड़ोंको खड़ा किया और उत्तरको हृदयसे लगाकर धीरज बाँधाया
saṁsthāpya cāśvān kaunteyaḥ samudyamya ca raśmibhiḥ | uttaraṁ ca pariṣvajya samāśvāsayad arjunaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Arjuna, the son of Kuntī, steadied the horses and, taking the reins firmly in hand, embraced Uttara and reassured him. In the face of fear and impending battle, Arjuna’s conduct models kṣatriya steadiness joined with compassion—strength expressed as protective guidance that restores courage and right resolve.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True strength in dharma includes steadiness under pressure and compassionate support for the fearful. Arjuna combines practical readiness (controlling the horses and reins) with humane reassurance (embracing Uttara), showing leadership that restores courage rather than shaming weakness.
As the confrontation approaches, Arjuna takes charge of the chariot team by steadying the horses and holding the reins, then embraces Prince Uttara—who is anxious—and encourages him, preparing him mentally and morally to face the situation.