Shloka 6
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
न चैवास्यान्तरं राजन् स ददर्श महात्मन: । कस्यचित्त्वय कालस्य मृगयां गतवान् नृप:
na caivāsyāntaraṃ rājan sa dadarśa mahātmanaḥ | kasyacit tvayā kālasya mṛgayāṃ gatavān nṛpaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “And even after careful scrutiny, O King, no flaw or vulnerable point could be found in that great-souled ruler. After some time had passed, however, the king went into the forest for the hunt.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a ruler of strong character may appear faultless to observers, yet dharma warns that circumstances and impulses (such as the lure of hunting) can open a ‘gap’ in vigilance; therefore sustained self-restraint and careful governance of desires are essential.
Bhīṣma continues a story: despite efforts to find any weakness in a noble king, none is seen; later, after some time, that king goes to the forest for hunting, setting up the next turn of events.