Shloka 17
Vyāsa’s Vision, the Power of Bhāgavatam, and the Arrest of Aśvatthāmā
इति प्रियां वल्गुविचित्रजल्पै: स सान्त्वयित्वाच्युतमित्रसूत: । अन्वाद्रवद्दंशित उग्रधन्वा कपिध्वजो गुरुपुत्रं रथेन ॥ १७ ॥
iti priyāṁ valgu-vicitra-jalpaiḥ sa sāntvayitvācyuta-mitra-sūtaḥ anvādravad daṁśita ugra-dhanvā kapi-dhvajo guru-putraṁ rathena
Arjuna, guidé par le Seigneur infaillible en tant qu'ami et conducteur, satisfit ainsi la chère dame par de telles déclarations. Puis il revêtit son armure et s'arma d'armes furieuses, et montant sur son char, il partit à la poursuite d'Aśvatthāmā, le fils de son maître martial.
FAQs
This verse highlights Kṛṣṇa as both “Acyuta-mitra” (the infallible friend) and “sūta” (charioteer), who first consoles Arjuna with affectionate words and then supports his righteous pursuit of Aśvatthāmā.
After the shocking violence committed by Aśvatthāmā, Arjuna needed steadiness and clarity. Kṛṣṇa’s calming, well-chosen words restore Arjuna’s composure so he can act decisively according to dharma.
Before taking action in a crisis, seek calm counsel, regain inner balance, and then act firmly and ethically—combining compassion in speech with determination in duty, as Kṛṣṇa models here.