Shloka 27
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Counsel on Restraint and the Pāṇḍavas’ Authorized Return (धृतराष्ट्र-उपदेशः)
शकुनिरुवाच बहु वित्त पराजैषी र्भ्रातृंश्व सहयद्विपान् । आचक्ष्व वित्त कौन्तेय यदि ते5स्त्यपराजितम्
śakunir uvāca: bahu vitta-parājaiṣīr bhrātṝṁś ca sahayadvipān | ācakṣva vitta kaunteya yadi te 'sty aparājitam ||
Śakuni nói: “Hỡi con của Kuntī, ngươi đã thắng được nhiều của cải—cùng với các huynh đệ, thậm chí cả voi nữa. Nay, hỡi Kaunteya, hãy nói xem ngươi còn giữ được thứ tài sản nào chưa bị mất?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how unethical manipulation works: a provocateur (Śakuni) exploits a ruler’s vulnerability (Yudhiṣṭhira’s compulsion and sense of honor) to push him into ever-greater self-harm. It warns that dharma is not only about intentions but also about refusing traps that lead to injustice and loss of self-mastery.
During the dice-game in the royal assembly, Śakuni announces that Yudhiṣṭhira has already forfeited vast wealth and even major royal assets like elephants, and he challenges him to name what remains “unlost,” pressuring him to stake further—setting up the catastrophic next wagers.