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
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Kung hindi man, hindi ko ito mapangangalagaan sa pamamagitan lamang ng lakas-tao. Sapagkat si Indra—panginoon ng kasaganaan at bantog sa maraming anyo—ay sinasabing napakalakas. Kaya’t sa lakas ng yoga lamang ako aasa at ipagtatanggol ko siya, kahit laban kay Indra.”
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.