King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
एवं मदान्ध उत्सिक्तो निरङ्कुश इव द्विप: । पर्यटन् रथमास्थाय कम्पयन्निव रोदसी ॥ ५ ॥
evaṁ madāndha utsikto niraṅkuśa iva dvipaḥ paryaṭan ratham āsthāya kampayann iva rodasī
Cego pela embriaguez de suas opulências, o rei Vena subiu ao carro e percorreu o reino como um elefante sem freio, fazendo tremer céu e terra.
This verse portrays King Vena as pride-intoxicated and uncontrolled, implying that arrogance in leadership becomes destructive and destabilizing, like a goadless elephant.
Because, lacking restraint and guidance by dharma, he acted recklessly and dangerously—just as an elephant without a goad can trample everything.
Cultivate self-restraint and humility—especially when given authority—so that power does not become unchecked ego that harms others and disrupts peace.