Shloka 23
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
चत्वारस्तेन मे वाहा: सूतश्वचैव विशाम्पते | प्रतिरुद्धास्तथैवाहं समरे दंशित: स्थित:
catvāras tena me vāhāḥ sūtaśvaś caiva viśāmpate | pratiruddhās tathaivāhaṃ samare daṃśitaḥ sthitaḥ | ācāryatā mānitā me nirmadayi hāpi tvayi | bhūyaś ca śṛṇu me brahman sampadaṃ dharmasaṅgrahe ||
Karena itu, wahai penguasa rakyat, aku memiliki empat kuda; sais dan kuda-kudaku tertahan di himpitan pertempuran, sementara aku berdiri tegak, bersenjata, di medan laga. Walau engkau telah menanggalkan kendali diri, aku senantiasa memuliakanmu sebagai guru. Kini, wahai Brahmana, dengarkan sekali lagi keyakinanku yang mantap tentang ‘kekayaan’ sejati yang terletak pada penghimpunan dan pemeliharaan dharma.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid conflict, one should uphold dharma through humility and continued respect for one’s teacher; true ‘wealth’ (sampad) is the steadfast preservation and consolidation of righteous conduct (dharmasaṅgraha), not mere power or victory.
Rama speaks from a battle setting, describing his chariot team and readiness. He addresses a revered Brahmin/teacher, stating that despite the other’s lapse in restraint, he has maintained due honor, and he urges the listener to hear again his firm view about dharma and what constitutes real prosperity.