Shloka 13
ब्राह्मणस्य पूर्वतरा वृत्तिः — The Earlier Ideal Conduct of a Brahmana
River-of-Saṃsāra Metaphor
दूष्टवा तमविकारस्थं तिष्ठन्तं निर्भयं बलिम् | अधिरूवढो द्विपश्रेष्ठमित्युवाच शतक्रतु:,उन्हें निर्भय और निर्विकार होकर खड़ा देख श्रेष्ठ गजराजपर चढ़े हुए शतक्रतु इन्द्रने उनसे इस प्रकार कहा--
dṛṣṭvā tam avikārasthaṁ tiṣṭhantaṁ nirbhayaṁ balim | adhirūḍho dvipaśreṣṭham ity uvāca śatakratuḥ ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: Nang makita si Bali na nakatindig nang matatag—walang takot at hindi nayayanig ang isip—si Śatakratu (Indra), na nakasakay sa pinakamainam na elepante, ay nagsalita sa kanya sa ganitong mga salita. Ipinakikita ng tagpong ito ang tensiyong etikal sa pagitan ng kapangyarihang panghari at ng matibay na dangal: ang kapanatagan ni Bali ay tanda ng panloob na pagpipigil, samantalang ang paglapit ni Indra ay larawan ng awtoridad ng langit na humaharap sa isang di-matitinag na tagapagpasya sa tama.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds inner steadiness as an ethical strength: Bali’s fearlessness and unperturbed mind suggest self-mastery and principled resolve, even when confronted by higher power. It implies that true dignity in dharma is shown by composure and firmness, not by outward dominance.
Bhīṣma narrates a moment where Indra (Śatakratu), riding the best of elephants, sees Bali standing fearless and unmoved, and then begins to speak to him. The verse sets the stage for a consequential dialogue between a celestial ruler and a steadfast king.