Shloka 9
वसुदेव–अर्जुन संवादः
Vasudeva–Arjuna Dialogue in the Aftermath of Dvārakā
तान् दीनमनस: सर्वान् विमूढान् गतचेतस: । उवाचेदं वच: काले पार्थो दीनतरस्तथा
tān dīna-manasaḥ sarvān vimūḍhān gata-cetasaḥ | uvācedaṃ vacaḥ kāle pārtho dīnataraḥ tathā ||
Melihat mereka semua berhati muram, bingung, dan seakan kehilangan keteguhan batin, Pārtha—yang sendiri lebih pilu—mengucapkan kata-kata ini pada saat genting itu.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in moments of collective catastrophe, minds can become overwhelmed (gata-cetasaḥ) and judgment clouded (vimūḍha). Ethical leadership then requires timely, compassionate speech—acknowledging grief while restoring clarity and direction aligned with dharma.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates that Arjuna sees a group of people in deep distress and confusion. At that decisive moment, Arjuna—himself even more sorrowful—begins to address them, setting up the ensuing counsel or response to the crisis described in the Mausala Parva.