Shloka 48
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
ओजसा तेजसा वीर यथा नान्य: पुमान् क्वचित् | तथा हसन्निवाभीद्ष्णं ब्राह्मुणो<र्जुनमब्रवीत् । न चैनं चालयामास धैर्यात् सुधृतनिश्चयम्
ojasā tejasā vīra yathā nānyaḥ pumān kvacit | tathā hasann ivābhīdṛṣṇaṃ brāhmaṇo 'rjunam abravīt | na cainaṃ cālayāmāsa dhairyāt sudhṛta-niścayam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O hero, with such vigor and splendor as no other man anywhere possessed, the brāhmaṇa spoke to Arjuna—almost as if smiling—while looking at him without fear. Yet he could not shake him at all, for Arjuna’s courage was steady and his resolve firmly held.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True firmness (dhairya) is shown when one remains unshaken even before overwhelming power (ojas, tejas). The verse contrasts external spiritual potency with inner steadiness: ethical strength is the capacity to hold a well-formed resolve (sudhṛta-niścaya) without being swayed by intimidation or display.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a formidable brāhmaṇa, radiant with ascetic power, addressing Arjuna fearlessly and almost playfully. Despite the brāhmaṇa’s intimidating presence and confident speech, Arjuna does not waver; his courage and determination remain fixed.