अध्याय ५६ — च्यवन–कुशिकसंवादः
Cyavana–Kuśika Dialogue on Lineage, Conflict, and Transmission
वेपमानौ निराहारौ पञ्चाशद्रात्रकर्षितौ । कथंचिदूहतुर्वीरी दम्पती तं रथोत्तमम्
vepamānau nirāhārau pañcāśad-rātra-karśitau | kathaṃcid ūhatur vīrī dampatī taṃ rathottamam ||
پچاس راتوں کی بھوک سے وہ نہایت کمزور اور لاغر ہو چکے تھے، ان کے اعضا کانپ رہے تھے؛ پھر بھی وہ بہادر میاں بیوی کسی طرح حوصلہ باندھ کر اس بہترین رتھ کا بوجھ اٹھائے چلے جا رہے تھے۔
भीष्म उवाच
The verse highlights steadfastness in duty under extreme hardship: even when weakened by prolonged fasting and physical trembling, one should not abandon a righteous task. It serves as an ethical exemplum of endurance (titikṣā) and resolve aligned with dharma.
Bhishma describes a husband and wife who, after fifty nights without food, have become emaciated and are trembling; nevertheless, they bravely manage—somehow—to carry or drag an excellent chariot, emphasizing their extraordinary perseverance.