Shloka 43
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 ||
Bhīṣma nói: “Tứ chi run rẩy, không có thức ăn, gầy mòn vì năm mươi đêm, đôi vợ chồng anh hùng ấy vẫn gắng gượng gom hết can đảm; với nỗ lực phi thường, họ cõng kéo chiếc chiến xa tuyệt hảo ấy mà đi.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.