Shloka 54
Hiḍimba’s Approach and Hiḍimbā’s Warning to Bhīmasena (हिडिम्बागमनम् / हिडिम्बा-भयवचनम्)
गुरोरप्यवलिप्तस्य कार्याकार्यमजानतः । उत्पथप्रतिपन्नस्य न्याय्यं भवति शासनम्,यदि गुरु भी घमंडमें भरकर कर्तव्य और अकर्तव्यको न जानता हो तथा बुरे मार्गपर चलता हो तो उसे भी दण्ड देना उचित माना जाता है
guror apy avaliptasya kāryākāryam ajānataḥ | utpatha-pratipannasya nyāyyaṃ bhavati śāsanam ||
Even a teacher, if swollen with pride, ignorant of what ought and ought not to be done, and having strayed onto a wrongful path, may rightly be subjected to discipline and punishment.
कणिक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Revered status does not grant immunity: if a guru becomes arrogant, loses discernment of duty vs. non-duty, and follows an unrighteous path, then administering corrective discipline is considered just.
In Kanika’s counsel, a principle of political-ethical reasoning is stated: even those normally beyond reproach (like a guru) may be restrained or punished when their conduct deviates from dharma and harms proper order.