Shloka 42
अध्याय ५६ — च्यवन–कुशिकसंवादः
Cyavana–Kuśika Dialogue on Lineage, Conflict, and Transmission
तौ तीक्ष्णाग्रेण सहसा प्रतोदेन प्रतोदितौ । पृष्ठे विद्धौ कटे चैव निर्विकारी तमूहतु:
tau tīkṣṇāgreṇa sahasā pratodena pratoditau | pṛṣṭhe viddhau kaṭe caiva nirvikārī tam ūhatuḥ ||
Tiba-tiba sang resi menghalau keduanya dengan cemeti bergagang runcing; punggung dan pinggang mereka tertusuk dan terluka. Namun, tanpa perubahan sikap dan tanpa guncangan batin yang tampak, mereka terus menarik beban itu ke depan.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness and inner composure (nirvikāratā) even when subjected to pain and injustice, implicitly inviting ethical reflection: true strength is restraint and endurance, while the inflicter’s harshness raises questions of dharma and compassion.
Two beings (described in the dual) are suddenly driven with a sharp-pointed goad; their backs and waists are wounded, yet they continue to pull/bear the load without showing agitation, emphasizing their remarkable forbearance.