Shloka 25
Jarītā–Śārṅgā-saṃvāda: Ākhu-haraṇa and the Approach of Agni (आखुहरणं अग्न्यागमनश्च)
स च राजाकरोद् यत्नं महान्तं ससुह्ृज्जन: । प्रणिपातेन सान्त्वेन दानेन च महायशा:,उन महायशस्वी नरेशने अपने सुहृदोंको साथ लेकर इस कार्यके लिये बहुत बड़ा प्रयत्न किया। पैरोंपर पड़कर, सान्त्वनापूर्ण वचन कहकर और इच्छानुसार दान देकर बार-बार निरालस्यभावसे ऋत्विजोंको मनाया, उनसे यज्ञ करानेके लिये अनुनय-विनय की; परंतु उन्होंने अमिततेजस्वी नरेशके मनोरथको सफल नहीं किया
sa ca rājākarod yatnaṃ mahāntaṃ sa-suhṛj-janaḥ | praṇipātena sāntvena dānena ca mahāyaśāḥ ||
That illustrious king, accompanied by his circle of well-wishers, strove mightily for this undertaking. With humble prostrations, soothing words, and gifts bestowed as they desired, he again and again sought to win over the officiating priests and persuade them to perform the sacrifice; yet they did not bring to fulfillment the purpose of that powerful ruler.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Respectful persuasion (praṇipāta), gentle speech (sāntva), and generosity (dāna) are praised royal methods, but they do not override the independent moral judgment of others; dharma is not something that can be purchased or forced.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that a renowned king, supported by his friends, tries hard to get the officiating priests to perform a sacrifice. He repeatedly bows, speaks soothingly, and offers gifts, yet the priests do not agree to carry out his intended rite.