Shloka 9
Strī-satkāra (On honoring women) — Mahābhārata 13.46
ते त्वां हर्षस्मितं दृष्टवा गुरो: कर्मानिवेदकम् । स्मारयन्तस्तथा प्राहुस्ते यथा श्रुतवान् भवान्
te tvāṁ harṣasmitaṁ dṛṣṭvā guroḥ karmānivedakam | smārayantas tathā prāhus te yathā śrutavān bhavān ||
Seeing you smiling with self-satisfaction, and not disclosing your sinful deed to the teacher, those men spoke to you in that manner—reminding you of your own action—just as you yourself had heard with your own ears. The verse underscores how concealed wrongdoing, when paired with pride, invites public reproach and moral recall.
विपुल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Concealing wrongdoing—especially from one’s teacher or moral authority—while displaying pride leads to ethical exposure: others will recall and point out the hidden act. The verse promotes humility, confession/transparent conduct, and responsibility for one’s actions.
Vipula describes a situation where the listener is seen smiling confidently while not informing the guru about a sinful act. Observers then speak words that remind him of that very deed—words he himself has heard—thereby confronting him with his moral lapse.