Shloka 19
अलर्कोपाख्यानम् — Indriya-Nigraha and Yogic Victory
Mahābhārata 14.30
श्रोत्रभुवाच नेमे बाणास्तरिष्यन्ति मामलर्क कथंचन । तवैव मर्म भेत्स्यन्ति ततो हास्यसि जीवितम्
śrotrabhūvāca neme bāṇāstariṣyanti mām alarka kathaṃcana | tavaiva marma bhetsyanti tato hāsyasi jīvitam ||
Śrotrabhū tuyên bố: “Alarka, những mũi tên ấy chẳng thể nào vượt qua ta. Chúng sẽ chỉ xuyên trúng các yếu huyệt của chính ngươi; rồi ngươi sẽ bị tước mất mạng sống.”
अलर्क उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores accountability in conflict: a warrior’s intent is not abstract—actions aimed at another’s vulnerable points carry irreversible consequences. It highlights the ethical gravity of choosing lethal force.
Śrotrabhū addresses Alarka directly, asserting that Alarka’s arrows will not get past him; instead, Śrotrabhū will strike Alarka’s vital points, resulting in Alarka’s death. It is a moment of direct martial challenge and intimidation.