Shloka 23
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
चत्वारस्तेन मे वाहा: सूतश्वचैव विशाम्पते | प्रतिरुद्धास्तथैवाहं समरे दंशित: स्थित:
catvāras tena me vāhāḥ sūtaśvaś caiva viśāmpate | pratiruddhās tathaivāhaṃ samare daṃśitaḥ sthitaḥ | ācāryatā mānitā me nirmadayi hāpi tvayi | bhūyaś ca śṛṇu me brahman sampadaṃ dharmasaṅgrahe ||
Por isso, ó senhor dos povos, tenho quatro corcéis; meu cocheiro e meus cavalos ficam contidos no aperto da batalha, enquanto eu permaneço firme, armado e pronto. Ainda que tenhas lançado fora a contenção, sempre te honrei como meu mestre. Agora, ó brâmane, ouve mais uma vez minha convicção já assentada acerca da verdadeira “riqueza”, que reside em guardar e consolidar o dharma.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid conflict, one should uphold dharma through humility and continued respect for one’s teacher; true ‘wealth’ (sampad) is the steadfast preservation and consolidation of righteous conduct (dharmasaṅgraha), not mere power or victory.
Rama speaks from a battle setting, describing his chariot team and readiness. He addresses a revered Brahmin/teacher, stating that despite the other’s lapse in restraint, he has maintained due honor, and he urges the listener to hear again his firm view about dharma and what constitutes real prosperity.