Shloka 16
पाण्डोः प्रेतकार्य-सम्पादनम्
Pāṇḍu’s Funeral Rites and Public Mourning
मगृग उवाच न रिपून् वै समुद्दिश्य विमुड्चन्ति नरा: शरान् | रन्ध्र एषां विशेषेण वध: काले प्रशस्यते,मृगने कहा--मनुष्य अपने शत्रुओंपर भी, विशेषत: जब वे संकटकालनमें हों, बाण नहीं छोड़ते। उपयुक्त अवसर (संग्राम आदि)-में ही शत्रुओंके वधकी प्रशंसा की जाती है
mṛga uvāca na ripūn vai samuddiśya vimuñcanti narāḥ śarān | randhra eṣāṃ viśeṣeṇa vadhaḥ kāle praśasyate ||
The deer said: “Men do not loose arrows even at their enemies merely by pointing them out. The slaying of foes is praised only when a true opening presents itself—especially when the time is proper, such as in battle. To strike at one who is in distress is not held up as worthy; right action depends on occasion and fairness.”
मगृग उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even toward enemies, violence is not automatically justified; it is commended only when there is a legitimate opening and the proper occasion (kāla), implying restraint and adherence to fair, context-sensitive dharma.
A deer speaks a moral observation: people do not simply shoot arrows at enemies on sight; the praised act of slaying occurs when circumstances make it appropriate—typically in a rightful combat situation rather than exploiting someone’s distress.