Shloka 20
Kṛṣṇasya Karṇam Prati Sāntvavacana
Kṛṣṇa’s Conciliatory Address to Karṇa
सहाया ब्राह्मणा यस्य धृतिमन्तो जितेन्द्रिया: । तमुग्रतपसं वीरं कथं जेष्यसि पाण्डवम्
sahāyā brāhmaṇā yasya dhṛtimanto jitendriyāḥ | tam ugratapasaṃ vīraṃ kathaṃ jeṣyasi pāṇḍavam ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Celui dont les alliés sont des brāhmaṇas—fermes dans leur résolution et maîtres de leurs sens—comment pourrais-tu vaincre ce héros Pāṇḍava, homme d’austérité farouche ?»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma highlights that ethical and spiritual capital—self-mastery (jitendriyatā), steadfastness (dhṛti), and the support of disciplined brāhmaṇas—constitutes a form of power that can outweigh brute strength. Victory is not merely martial; it is grounded in inner restraint and righteous support.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war counsel, Bhīṣma warns the Kuru side that the Pāṇḍavas are backed by resolute, self-controlled brāhmaṇas and possess intense tapas. He questions how such a hero can be overcome, implying that the Kauravas should reconsider their course.