Shloka 23
Adhyāya 22: Śālva’s Weapon-Shower, Dāruka’s Wounding, and the Māyā-Report of Vasudeva’s Father
सर्वे: पराक्रमैर्वीर वध्य: शत्रुरमित्रहन् | न शत्रुरवमन्तव्यो दुर्बलोडपि बलीयसा,शत्रुहन्ता वीरवर! आपको सारा पराक्रम लगाकर इस शत्रुका वध कर डालना चाहिये। कोई कितना ही बलवान क्यों न हो, उसे अपने दुर्बल शत्रुकी भी अवहेलना नहीं करनी चाहिये
vāyudeva uvāca |
sarvaiḥ parākramair vīra vadhyaḥ śatrur amitrahan |
na śatrur avamantavyo durbalo 'pi balīyasā ||
Vāyudeva said: “O hero, slayer of foes—this enemy must be brought down by exerting every measure of valor. However strong one may be, one should never treat an enemy with contempt, even if that enemy appears weak.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should apply full effort to neutralize a threat, and never underestimate an opponent; contempt for a seemingly weak enemy can lead to downfall.
Vāyudeva addresses a heroic figure, urging decisive action against an enemy while warning that even a weak-looking adversary must be treated with caution and respect.