Shloka 6
भीष्म–रामसंयुगनिवृत्तिः
Bhishma and Rama: Restraint and Withdrawal in the Engagement
स्त्रीभावे परिनिर्विण्णा पुंस्त्वार्थ कृतनिश्चया । भीष्मे प्रतिचिकीर्षामि नास्मि वार्येति वै पुन:
strībhāve parinirviṇṇā puṁstvārthaṁ kṛtaniścayā | bhīṣme praticikīrṣāmi nāsmi vāryeti vai punaḥ ||
“Suklam na ako sa kalagayan ng pagkababae; kaya matatag kong ipinasya na kamtin ang pagkalalaki at dahil dito’y nagsagawa ako ng mga pag-aayuno. Determinado akong maghiganti kay Bhīṣma; huwag ninyo akong pigilan—sapagkat tunay, hindi ako mapipigil.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical force of resolve (niścaya) and the transformative power of tapas, while also exposing the peril of vengeance: a single injury can harden into a life-defining vow that drives the larger currents of war and destiny.
A figure associated with Amba’s grievance declares intense disillusionment with womanhood, undertakes austerities to attain male status, and insists on pursuing retaliation against Bhishma, refusing any attempt by others to dissuade or restrain this course.