Shloka 22
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
क्षिप्रमाप्तुहि कौन्न्तेय मनसा यद् यदिच्छसि । अब्रुवन् ब्राह्मणा: पार्थमिति कृत्वा जयाशिष:
kṣipram āptu hi kaunteya manasā yad yad icchasi | abruvan brāhmaṇāḥ pārtham iti kṛtvā jayāśiṣaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The brāhmaṇas addressed Pārtha (Arjuna), saying, “O son of Kuntī, may you swiftly obtain whatever you desire in your mind.” Having thus spoken, they bestowed blessings of victory—affirming auspicious success grounded in righteous intent.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the cultural-ethical power of brāhmaṇa benedictions: when one’s aims are aligned with dharma, elders and the learned confer auspicious support—expressed as the hope that rightful intentions will be fulfilled swiftly and crowned with victory.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that brāhmaṇas address Arjuna (Kaunteya/Pārtha), wishing him quick attainment of whatever he intends and formally giving him ‘jayāśiṣaḥ’—blessings for success and victory.