Shloka 17
Book 3, Āraṇyaka-parva — Adhyāya 19: Pradyumna’s Reproach of Withdrawal and the Ethics of Kṣātra Reputation
प्रयुज्यमानमाज्ञाय दैतेयास्त्र महाबलम् । ब्रह्मास्त्रेणान्तराच्छित्त्वा मुमोचान्यान् पतत्रिण:,प्रद्यम्नने शाल्वको अति शक्तिशाली दैत्यास्त्रका प्रयोग करता जानकर ब्रह्मास्त्रके द्वारा उसे बीचमें ही काट डाला और अन्य बहुत-से बाण बरसाये
prayujyamānam ājñāya daiteyāstraṃ mahābalam | brahmāstreṇāntarāc chittvā mumocānyān patatriṇaḥ ||
Perceiving that a mighty Daitya-weapon had been set in motion, he intercepted it mid-course with the Brahmāstra, cutting it down; then he released many other arrows. The episode underscores that overwhelming force is to be met not with reckless rage but with discerning, proportionate counter-measures guided by mastery and restraint.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in battle, power should be governed by clear perception and restraint: recognize the threat, neutralize it with an appropriate counter, and act to protect rather than to indulge anger.
Vāyudeva describes how a formidable Daitya-weapon is detected as it is launched; it is cut down mid-flight by the Brahmāstra, after which many additional arrows are released.