Shloka 45
Arjuna–Gaṇa Saṃvāda: Bāṇādhikāra, Tāpasa-veṣa, and the Ethics of Tapas (अर्जुन-गणसंवादः)
यद्यहं चैव ते बाणं यच्छामि च मदीयकम् । कुलस्य दूषणं चाहं भविष्यामि न संशयः
yadyahaṃ caiva te bāṇaṃ yacchāmi ca madīyakam | kulasya dūṣaṇaṃ cāhaṃ bhaviṣyāmi na saṃśayaḥ
“Nếu quả thật ta trao cho ngươi chính mũi tên của ta, thì chắc chắn ta sẽ trở thành vết nhơ cho dòng tộc mình—điều ấy không còn nghi ngờ.”
A kshatriya/royal character speaking in the narrative (as recounted by Suta Goswami)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse highlights dharma as inner integrity: one must not betray one’s rightful duty or principles for expediency. In a Shaiva reading, such restraint purifies the ego and prepares the heart for devotion to Pati (Shiva), the supreme guide of dharma.
Though not directly about linga-worship, it reflects the Shaiva ethic that Saguna Shiva upholds cosmic order (dharma). A devotee approaches the Linga with a conscience free from dishonor and deceit, offering actions aligned with truth and duty.
A practical takeaway is self-examination (ātma-vicāra) before worship: take a vow of truthfulness, recite the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” and offer bhasma or water to the Shiva Linga with the intention to act without bringing “dūṣaṇa” (stain) upon one’s conduct.