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January 17, 2007

Shloka about Parashuram:

अग्रतश्चतुरो वेदाः पृष्ठतः सशरं धनुः।
इदं ब्राह्ममिदं क्षात्रं शापादपि शरादपि॥

Literal English Translation:
Four vedas in front, bow with arrows on the back.
Here is the knowledge of supreme spirit, here is the knowlege of warcraft. From curse also from arrow also.

Explanation:
The four vedas are guiding me in front backed by the bow & arrow i.e. military or warrior power. Through curse, here is the spiritual power that I possess & through arrows, here is the physical power that I posses.

It has been often mentioned in the vedas that to achieve your goals one must have clear vision or guiding principle in front & backing of sufficient power to get the work done. One must possess sufficiently strong mental powers & enough physical power to go after & achieve the goals. The curse is a symbolic presentation of mental power as for the curse to come true strong will is needed. Similarly to fight enemies with arrows enough physical power is needed. This verse specifically emphasizes the balance & importance of both mental & physical prowess.