Shloka 48
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
ओजसा तेजसा वीर यथा नान्य: पुमान् क्वचित् | तथा हसन्निवाभीद्ष्णं ब्राह्मुणो<र्जुनमब्रवीत् । न चैनं चालयामास धैर्यात् सुधृतनिश्चयम्
ojasā tejasā vīra yathā nānyaḥ pumān kvacit | tathā hasann ivābhīdṛṣṇaṃ brāhmaṇo 'rjunam abravīt | na cainaṃ cālayāmāsa dhairyāt sudhṛta-niścayam ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: «Oh héroe, con un vigor y un esplendor que ningún otro hombre en parte alguna poseía, el brāhmana habló a Arjuna—casi como sonriendo—mirándolo sin temor. Sin embargo, no logró moverlo en absoluto, pues el valor de Arjuna era firme y su determinación estaba bien asentada.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True firmness (dhairya) is shown when one remains unshaken even before overwhelming power (ojas, tejas). The verse contrasts external spiritual potency with inner steadiness: ethical strength is the capacity to hold a well-formed resolve (sudhṛta-niścaya) without being swayed by intimidation or display.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a formidable brāhmaṇa, radiant with ascetic power, addressing Arjuna fearlessly and almost playfully. Despite the brāhmaṇa’s intimidating presence and confident speech, Arjuna does not waver; his courage and determination remain fixed.