Shloka 19
प्रतिग्रहभेदः — The Distinction between Giving and Accepting
Vṛṣādarbhī–Saptarṣi Dialogue
अथात्रिस्तं तथा दृष्टवा पुत्रशोकेन कर्षितम् । भृशमाश्वासयामास वाग्भिरिष्टाभिरव्यय:,आनेपर जब अविनाशी अत्रिने निमिको पुत्रशोकसे व्याकुल देखा तब मधुर वाणीद्वारा उन्हें बहुत आश्वासन दिया--
athātristaṃ tathā dṛṣṭvā putraśokena karṣitam | bhṛśam āśvāsayāmāsa vāgbhir iṣṭābhir avyayaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: Then, seeing him in that condition—worn down by grief for his son—the Imperishable One consoled him greatly with words that were dear and heartening.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a dharmic ethic of compassion: when someone is overwhelmed by loss, one should respond with supportive, pleasing, and stabilizing speech. Consolation (āśvāsana) becomes a moral act that helps restore inner balance.
Atri is seen suffering intensely due to grief over his son. The ‘Imperishable One’ (Avyaya) addresses him with comforting, welcome words, offering strong reassurance to ease his sorrow.