Adhyāya 136: Yavakrī–Bharadvāja Saṃvāda and the Bāladhī–Dhanuṣākṣa Gāthā
Arrogance, Boons, and Nimitta
लोगश उवाच निश्चयं तमभिज्ञाय मुनेस्तस्य महात्मन: । प्रतिवारणहेत्वर्थ बुद्धया संचिन्त्य बुद्धिमान्,लोमशजी कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! उन महामुनिके उस निश्चयको जानकर बुद्धिमान् इन्द्रने उन्हें रोकनेके लिये बुद्धिपूर्वक कुछ विचार किया और एक ऐसे तपस्वी ब्राह्मणका रूप धारण कर लिया जिसकी उम्र कई सौ वर्षोकी थी, तथा जो यक्ष्माका रोगी और दुर्बल दिखायी देता था
Lomaśa uvāca—niścayaṃ tam abhijñāya munes tasya mahātmanaḥ | pratīvāraṇa-hetv-arthaṃ buddhyā saṃcintya buddhimān ||
Sabi ni Lomaśa: Nang maunawaan ang matibay na pasiya ng dakilang-makaluluwang na muni, ang marunong na Indra ay maingat na nag-isip upang makahanap ng paraan na siya’y mapigil; at nag-anyong isang brāhmaṇang asceta—wari’y may ilang daang taon na ang tanda, may sakit na pagkapulmon, at mahina ang katawan.
लोगश उवाच
When confronted with intense resolve born of tapas, the appropriate response is thoughtful restraint rather than coercion. Even Indra chooses deliberation and a nonviolent strategy (disguise) to redirect a potentially disruptive course of action, highlighting dharmic prudence and self-control.
Lomaśa narrates to Yudhiṣṭhira that Indra, realizing a great sage’s unwavering determination, devises a plan to stop or redirect him. Indra reflects and then takes the form of a very old, sickly ascetic brāhmaṇa to approach the sage in a way that can influence him without open confrontation.