Shloka 45
Devaśarmā–Vipula Dialogue on Ahorātra–Ṛtu as Moral Witnesses (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४३)
अथवा पौरुषेणेयं न शक््या रक्षितुं मया
athavā pauruṣeṇeyaṁ na śakyā rakṣituṁ mayā
भीष्म उवाच—अथवा पौरुषेणेयं न शक्या रक्षितुं मया; ऐश्वर्यवान् बहुरूपश्च पाकशासन इन्द्रः श्रूयते। अतः योगबलमाश्रित्य तमपि प्रति रक्षिष्यामि।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts ordinary human exertion (pauruṣa/puruṣārtha) with yogic or ascetic potency (yogabala), implying that certain protections or vows cannot be upheld by mere worldly strength when confronted with divine-level power; one must rely on inner spiritual discipline and higher means.
Bhīṣma reflects on his inability to safeguard a certain matter through ordinary effort alone. Anticipating opposition even from Indra—renowned for power and many disguises—he resolves to take refuge in yogic strength to ensure protection.