Shloka 18
Nakula’s Adaptive Counsel to Kṛṣṇa in the Kuru Assembly (उद्योगपर्व, अध्याय ७८)
यत् तु वाचा मया शक्यं कर्मणा वापि पाण्डव । करिष्ये तदहं पार्थ न त्वाशंसे शमं परै:
yat tu vācā mayā śakyaṃ karmaṇā vāpi pāṇḍava | kariṣye tad ahaṃ pārtha na tv āśaṃse śamaṃ paraiḥ ||
اے پاندو کے بیٹے! گفتار سے یا عمل سے میرے بس میں جو کچھ ہوگا، میں ضرور کروں گا۔ مگر اے پارتھ! مجھے ذرّہ بھر بھی امید نہیں کہ دشمن کے ساتھ صلح یا مفاہمت ہو سکے گی۔
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should exert oneself fully—through persuasive speech and practical effort—for a righteous resolution, yet remain clear-eyed about the opponent’s intentions; duty requires sincere attempt, not naïve expectation.
Arjuna declares his readiness to do everything within his power, both verbally and through action, to pursue a settlement, but he expresses firm doubt that the adversaries will agree to peace.