Shloka 13
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Counsel on Restraint and the Pāṇḍavas’ Authorized Return (धृतराष्ट्र-उपदेशः)
शकुनिरुवाच प्रियस्ते नकुलो राजन् राजपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर । अस्माकं वशतां प्राप्तो भूय: केनेह दीव्यसे
śakunir uvāca priyaḥ te nakulo rājan rājaputro yudhiṣṭhira | asmākaṃ vaśatāṃ prāpto bhūyaḥ keneha dīvyase ||
Śakuni nói: “Tâu vua Yudhiṣṭhira, Nakula—vị vương tử mà ngài yêu quý nhất—nay đã rơi vào tay chúng ta. Vậy ngài còn định đánh bạc ở đây lần nữa bằng vật cược nào?”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how unethical provocation exploits attachment and pride to push a person deeper into wrongdoing. It frames the dharmic lesson that self-restraint and discernment must prevail over compulsion, especially when one’s dependents and honor are at stake.
During the dice-game in the royal assembly, Śakuni announces that Nakula has already been won and is now under their control, then challenges Yudhiṣṭhira to continue gambling by asking what he will stake next.