Shloka 2
अध्याय ५०: उत्तरेण सह अर्जुनस्य रथप्रयाणे ध्वजचिह्नैः कौरवसेनानिर्देशः
Arjuna directs Uttara by identifying Kaurava commanders through banners
संग्रामांश्च बहून् जित्वा लब्धवा च विपुलं धनम् | विजित्य च परां सेनां नाहु: किंचन पौरुषम्,विद्वान् पुरुष बहुत-सी लड़ाइयाँ जीतकर, असंख्य धनराशि पाकर तथा शत्रुओंकी सेनाको परास्त करके भी इस तरह व्यर्थ बकवाद नहीं करते। आग बिना कुछ कहे-सुने ही सबको जलाकर भस्म कर देती है, सूर्यदेव मौन रहकर ही प्रकाशित होते हैं, पृथ्वी चुप रहकर ही सम्पूर्ण चराचर लोकोंको धारण करती है (इनमेंसे कोई अपने पराक्रमकी प्रशंसा नहीं करता)
saṅgrāmāṁś ca bahūn jitvā labdhvā ca vipulaṁ dhanam | vijitya ca parāṁ senāṁ nāhuḥ kiñcana pauruṣam ||
Kṛpa said: “Even after winning many battles, gaining abundant wealth, and defeating an enemy host, the wise do not indulge in empty self-praise. Fire burns all things to ashes without announcing itself; the sun shines while remaining silent; the earth, without speaking, bears all moving and unmoving beings. In the same way, true valor is shown by deeds, not by boastful speech.”
कृप उवाच
Educational Q&A
True heroism is measured by action and restraint, not by loud self-advertisement. The verse praises quiet strength and condemns vain boasting, using nature (fire, sun, earth) as models of effective, silent power.
Kṛpa is admonishing boastful talk in a martial context, reminding listeners that even great victories and gains do not justify empty bragging; the wise maintain dignity and let deeds speak.