Shloka 25
Adhyāya 160: Arjuna’s Envoy-Message—Critique of Borrowed Valor and Pre-dawn Mobilization
यदीदं कत्थनाललोके सिध्येत् कर्म धनंजय । सर्वे भवेयु: सिद्धार्था: कत्थने को हि दुर्गतः
yadīdaṃ katthanāl loke sidhyet karma dhanaṃjaya | sarve bhaveyuḥ siddhārthāḥ katthane ko hi durgataḥ ||
“O Dhanaṃjaya! Kung sa mundong ito’y natutupad ang layon sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagyayabang, lahat sana’y magiging matagumpay. Sapagkat sa paggawa ng mga pag-aangkin at sa pag-ikot ng mga salita, sino ba ang tunay na dukha o walang lakas?”
उलूक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts empty boasting with real accomplishment: mere self-praise cannot produce success; ethical worth and true capability are proved by action, not by words.
Ulūka addresses Arjuna in a taunting, provocative tone, implying that Arjuna’s claims or reputation mean nothing unless matched by actual deeds—part of the hostile exchange surrounding the impending war.