Shloka 20
अयं कथं वै भवतो विमुक्त- स्तथा प्रमथ्नीत यथा न मुच्येत् । तमब्रवीच्छान्तनव: प्रहस्य क्व ते गता बुद्धिरभूत् क्व वीर्यम्
ayaṃ kathaṃ vai bhavato vimuktaḥ tathā pramathnīta yathā na mucyet | tam abravīc chāntanavaḥ prahasya kva te gatā buddhir abhūt kva vīryam ||
“How is it,” he said, “that this man, once released by you, was again so violently subdued that he could not escape?” Then the son of Śāntanu replied with a laugh: “Where has your judgment gone? Where is your valor?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts buddhi (discernment) and vīrya (valor), implying that effective action—especially in a martial or duty-bound context—requires both clear judgment and steadfast courage; losing either invites failure and reproach.
A question is raised about how someone previously released was again overpowered so thoroughly that he could not escape. In response, Śāntanava (Bhīṣma) laughs and sharply rebukes the addressee, challenging the loss of judgment and heroic strength.