Shloka 12
ब्राह्मणस्य पूर्वतरा वृत्तिः — The Earlier Ideal Conduct of a Brahmana
River-of-Saṃsāra Metaphor
तमैरावतमूर्धस्थं प्रेक्ष्य देवगणैर्वृतम् । सुरेन्द्रमिन्द्रं दैत्येन्द्रो न शुशोच न विव्येथे
tam airāvatamūrdhasthaṃ prekṣya devagaṇair vṛtam | surendram indraṃ daityendro na śuśoca na vivyathe ||
Bhīṣma berkata: Melihat Indra, penguasa para dewa, duduk di punggung Airāvata dan dikelilingi rombongan dewa, Bali—raja para Dānava—tidak bersedih dan tidak pula gentar sedikit pun.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches steadiness of mind: even when faced with an adversary’s grandeur and overwhelming support, a strong and disciplined person does not sink into grief or fear, but maintains composure and inner firmness.
Bhīṣma describes Bali seeing Indra seated on Airāvata and surrounded by the gods. Despite this intimidating sight, Bali does not grieve or become distressed, illustrating his courage and mental stability.