Shloka 14
सांख्ययोगभेदः तथा योगबलोपदेशः
Sāṃkhya–Yoga Distinction and Instruction on Yogic Strength
क्वासौ क्वासाविति प्राह गृहीत्वा परमायुधम् । उशना दूरतस्तस्य बभौ ज्ञात्वा चिकीर्षितम्
kvāsau kvāsāv iti prāha gṛhītvā paramāyudham | uśanā dūratas tasya babhau jñātvā cikīrṣitam ||
Bhīṣma dit : Saisissant son arme suprême, il s’écria soudain : «Où est-il, où est-il, Uśanā ?» Mais Uśanā, comprenant ce que Mahādeva allait faire, se tint à distance de lui.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical restraint in the face of overwhelming power: when a superior force is about to be used with a dangerous intention, the wise (Ushana) avoids complicity and withdraws, implying that discernment and non-participation can be a form of dharmic conduct.
A figure (implied to be Mahadeva in the given context) takes up a supreme weapon and calls out for Ushana. Ushana understands the intention behind this act and therefore stays at a distance, avoiding direct engagement.