Shloka 14
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
श्वशत्रुर्भगवन्नेष द्वीपी मां हन्तुमिच्छति । त्वत्प्रसादाद् भयं न स्यादस्मान्मम महामुने
śvaśatrur bhagavann eṣa dvīpī māṃ hantum icchati | tvatprasādād bhayaṃ na syād asmān mama mahāmune ||
Bhīṣma said: “O Blessed one, this tiger—my natural enemy—wishes to kill me. Yet, O great sage, by your grace may there be no fear for me from him.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Fear is not merely removed by physical strength but by refuge in higher spiritual power and blessing; the verse highlights trust in a sage’s grace as a source of protection and inner steadiness.
Bhīṣma points out that a tiger, his natural enemy, is intent on killing him, and he appeals to a revered great sage, asking that through the sage’s favor he may be free from fear and harm.