Shloka 15
गदायुद्धप्रतिज्ञा — The Vow and Terms of the Mace Duel
क्रिया बलवती राजन् नान्यत् किंचिद् युधिष्ठिर । दैत्याश्ष दानवाश्षैव राक्षसा: पार्थिवास्तथा
kriyā balavatī rājan nānyat kiñcid yudhiṣṭhira | daityāś ca dānavāś caiva rākṣasāḥ pārthivās tathā ||
Vāyu disse: “Ó rei Yudhiṣṭhira, a ação (empreendida com retidão) é poderosa; nada mais verdadeiramente prevalece. Assim é com os Daityas e os Dānavas, com os Rākṣasas, e do mesmo modo com os reis da terra.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes human (and cosmic) agency: effective action is the decisive force. Rather than relying on mere intention, status, or speculation, one must act rightly and decisively; this principle applies across beings—from asuras and rākṣasas to human kings.
Vāyudeva addresses King Yudhiṣṭhira and underscores that outcomes in conflict and governance are shaped by powerful, well-executed action. He generalizes the point by citing various formidable groups (Daityas, Dānavas, Rākṣasas) and also earthly rulers, implying that all are bound by the same law of efficacy through action.