Shloka 4
Jarāsandha-prastāvaḥ — Nīti-cintā ca Jarāsandhasya janma-vṛttāntaḥ
The Jarāsandha Prelude: Strategic Counsel and Birth Account
(कथं जित्वा पुनर्यूयमस्मान् सम्प्रति यास्यथ ।) अस्मिंस्त्वर्थान्तिरे युक्तमनर्थ: प्रतिपद्यते तस्मान्न प्रतिपत्तिस्तु कार्या युक्ता मता मम
kathaṁ jitvā punaryūyam asmān samprati yāsyatha | asmiṁstv arthāntare yuktaṁ anarthaḥ pratipadyate tasmān na pratipattistu kāryā yuktā matā mama |
ユディシュティラは言った。「いかにして彼を討ち、しかも再び我らのもとへ帰って来られるのか。この企ては、望む果とは逆の果を結ぶように思われる。かくも異なる道に絡め取られれば、必ずや不幸に遭う。ゆえに我が判断では、我らが意図していた—すなわちラージャスーヤ祭へ—今は進むべきではない。」
युधिषछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Yudhiṣṭhira emphasizes ethical prudence: when an action deviates from its rightful aim (arthāntara), it can produce anartha—harmful, unintended consequences. Therefore, even a prestigious goal like the Rājasūya should be reconsidered if the means or circumstances appear morally or practically unsound.
In the context of preparations for the Pāṇḍavas’ Rājasūya, Yudhiṣṭhira questions a proposed conquest-related undertaking, worrying that it will not lead safely back to their purpose and may instead bring misfortune. He voices hesitation about proceeding toward the Rājasūya under such conditions.