Shloka 29
Śulka, Kanyā, and Dauhitra-Riktha: Discourse on Bride-Price and Inheritance Rights (शुल्क-कन्या-दौहित्र-रिक्थविचारः)
सम्प्रदध्यौ तथा राजन्नग्नावग्निरिवाहित: । दहामानेन मनसा शापं श्रुत्वा तथाविधम्
sampradadhyau tathā rājann agnāv agnir ivāhitaḥ | dahamānena manasā śāpaṃ śrutvā tathāvidham ||
Bhishma said: “O King, he fell again into deep reflection—like one fire laid upon another. Hearing such a curse, his mind burned all the more, and, scorched by that inner blaze of grief, he began once again to deliberate upon what ought to be done.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A harsh pronouncement (śāpa) can intensify inner suffering like fire added to fire; the ethical response is renewed reflection and discernment about one’s duty rather than impulsive reaction.
Bhīṣma describes a person who, upon hearing a severe curse directed at him, becomes inwardly inflamed with grief and anxiety and therefore turns back to serious deliberation about his next course of action.