Shloka 22
Arjuna–Gaṇa Saṃvāda: Bāṇādhikāra, Tāpasa-veṣa, and the Ethics of Tapas (अर्जुन-गणसंवादः)
अहं राजा भवांश्चौरः कथं युद्धप्रयुक्तता । युद्धं मे सबलैः कार्यं नाधमैर्हि कदाचन
ahaṃ rājā bhavāṃścauraḥ kathaṃ yuddhaprayuktatā | yuddhaṃ me sabalaiḥ kāryaṃ nādhamairhi kadācana
میں بادشاہ ہوں اور تم چور؛ پھر ہمارے درمیان جنگ کیونکر مناسب ہو؟ اگر مجھے لڑنا ہی ہو تو جنگ طاقتوروں سے ہو، کبھی بھی کمینوں سے نہیں۔
A king (kṣatriya ruler) addressing a thief/opponent (dialogue within Suta Goswami’s narration)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights dharma as discernment: true strength includes restraint, refusing to dignify base conduct with one’s own energy—an attitude aligned with Shaiva ethics of mastering impulse and acting from right order.
Linga-worship trains the devotee to honor Shiva as the inner ruler (Pati) who governs action; this verse reflects that discipline by choosing righteous engagement over ego-driven combat.
Practice japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to steady anger and pride, and apply bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) as a reminder to act with purity and self-control rather than impulsive hostility.