Shloka 17
निवातकवचैः सह अर्जुनस्य रथयुद्धम्
Arjuna’s chariot engagement with the Nivātakavacas
संवत्सरं ब्रह्मचारी नियत: संशितव्रत: । स जीवेद्धि निराबाध: स सुखी शरदां शतम्
saṃvatsaraṃ brahmacārī niyataḥ saṃśitavrataḥ | sa jīved dhi nirābādhaḥ sa sukhī śaradāṃ śatam ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Jika seseorang menjalani setahun penuh sebagai seorang brahmacārin yang berdisiplin—menahan diri dan teguh pada ikrar—maka sesungguhnya dia hidup bebas daripada penderitaan, dan kekal bahagia selama seratus musim luruh (yakni hayat yang panjang dan sempurna).”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadfast brahmacarya—regulated conduct and firm vows—supports a life that is both untroubled (nirābādha) and happy (sukhī), suggesting ethical self-mastery as a foundation for well-being and longevity.
Vaiśampāyana, as narrator, states a general dharmic maxim: a person who maintains disciplined brahmacarya for a year, with strict observances, is said to enjoy freedom from affliction and a long, contented life.