Shloka 48
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
ओजसा तेजसा वीर यथा नान्य: पुमान् क्वचित् | तथा हसन्निवाभीद्ष्णं ब्राह्मुणो<र्जुनमब्रवीत् । न चैनं चालयामास धैर्यात् सुधृतनिश्चयम्
ojasā tejasā vīra yathā nānyaḥ pumān kvacit | tathā hasann ivābhīdṛṣṇaṃ brāhmaṇo 'rjunam abravīt | na cainaṃ cālayāmāsa dhairyāt sudhṛta-niścayam ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: “O bayani, taglay mo ang lakas at ningning na wala nang ibang lalaki saanman ang makapapantay. Kaya’t ang brāhmaṇa’y nagsalita kay Arjuna—wari’y nakangiti—at tiningnan siya nang walang takot. Ngunit hindi niya siya nayugyog kahit kaunti, sapagkat matatag ang tapang ni Arjuna at mahigpit ang kanyang pasya.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True firmness (dhairya) is shown when one remains unshaken even before overwhelming power (ojas, tejas). The verse contrasts external spiritual potency with inner steadiness: ethical strength is the capacity to hold a well-formed resolve (sudhṛta-niścaya) without being swayed by intimidation or display.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a formidable brāhmaṇa, radiant with ascetic power, addressing Arjuna fearlessly and almost playfully. Despite the brāhmaṇa’s intimidating presence and confident speech, Arjuna does not waver; his courage and determination remain fixed.