Shloka 42
अध्याय ५६ — च्यवन–कुशिकसंवादः
Cyavana–Kuśika Dialogue on Lineage, Conflict, and Transmission
तौ तीक्ष्णाग्रेण सहसा प्रतोदेन प्रतोदितौ । पृष्ठे विद्धौ कटे चैव निर्विकारी तमूहतु:,इतनेहीमें मुनिने सहसा चाबुक उठाया और उन दोनोंकी पीठपर जोरसे प्रहार किया। उस चाबुकका अग्रभाग बड़ा तीखा था। उसकी करारी चोट पड़ते ही राजा-रानीकी पीठ और कमरमें घाव हो गया। फिर भी वे निर्विकारभावसे रथ ढोते रहे
tau tīkṣṇāgreṇa sahasā pratodena pratoditau | pṛṣṭhe viddhau kaṭe caiva nirvikārī tam ūhatuḥ ||
Bhishma said: Driven suddenly by a sharp-pointed goad, the two were struck; their backs and even their waists were pierced. Yet, remaining unshaken and without outward change of mind, they continued to draw that burden onward—showing steadfast endurance in the face of harsh treatment.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness and inner composure (nirvikāratā) even when subjected to pain and injustice, implicitly inviting ethical reflection: true strength is restraint and endurance, while the inflicter’s harshness raises questions of dharma and compassion.
Two beings (described in the dual) are suddenly driven with a sharp-pointed goad; their backs and waists are wounded, yet they continue to pull/bear the load without showing agitation, emphasizing their remarkable forbearance.