Shloka 25
Vyāsa’s Counsel to the Concealed Pāṇḍavas; Śaṃkara’s Boon and the Predestination of Draupadī
Chapter 157
न हि योगं प्रपश्यामि येन मुच्येयमापद: । पुत्रदारेण वा सार्ध प्राद्रवेयमनामयम्,मुझे ऐसा कोई उपाय नहीं दिखायी देता, जिससे इस विपत्तिसे छुटकारा पा सकूँ अथवा पुत्र और स्त्रीके साथ किसी निरापद स्थानमें भाग चलूँ
na hi yogaṁ prapaśyāmi yena mucyeyam āpadaḥ | putradāreṇa vā sārdhaṁ prādraveyam anāmayam ||
O brāhmana disse: “Não vejo meio praticável pelo qual eu possa libertar-me desta calamidade—nem vejo como poderia fugir para algum lugar seguro e ileso, juntamente com meu filho e minha esposa.”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the human moment of moral and practical paralysis in the face of āpada (calamity): even a thoughtful person may find no clear upāya (effective means). It foregrounds the ethical weight of protecting one’s family while acknowledging that fear and uncertainty can obscure discernment.
A brāhmaṇa, speaking amid a threatening situation, confesses that he cannot see any workable plan—neither a way to overcome the danger nor a way to flee with his wife and son to a secure place.