Shloka 24
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Counsel on Restraint and the Pāṇḍavas’ Authorized Return (धृतराष्ट्र-उपदेशः)
युधिछिर उवाच यो नो नेता युधि नः प्रणेता यथा वज्री दानवशत्रुरेक: । तिर्यक्प्रेक्षी संनत भ्रूर्महात्मा सिंहस्कन्धो यश्नू सदात्यमर्षी
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | yo no netā yudhi naḥ praṇetā yathā vajrī dānavāśatrur ekaḥ | tiryakprekṣī saṃnata-bhrūr mahātmā siṃha-skandho yaśnū sadātyamārṣī |
Sinabi ni Yudhiṣṭhira: “O Hari! Siya ang aming pinuno sa digmaan, ang pangunahing kumandante—gaya ni Indra na may hawak na vajra, nag-iisang kaaway ng mga Dānava—siya na tumitingin nang pahilis, ang kilay ay nakakurba na parang busog, dakila ang loob, ang balikat ay gaya ng sa leon, laging nag-aalab sa matinding poot, at walang kapantay sa lakas—ang Prinsipe Bhīmasena, siya ang itinataya ko sa larong sugal na ito, bagaman hindi siya nararapat itaya.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one recognizes a deed as improper—here, wagering a person—attachment, pride, and the intoxication of play can override dharma. The verse highlights the ethical collapse that begins with treating persons as property, despite knowing it is wrong.
In the dice match, Yudhiṣṭhira continues staking ever more precious ‘possessions.’ He praises Bhīma’s heroic qualities—likening him to Indra in battle—yet still names him as a stake, underscoring the tragic momentum of the dyūta (gambling) episode.