Shloka 20
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
व्याप्रं दृष्टवा क्षुधाभुग्नं देष्टिणं वनगोचरम् । दडीपी जीवितरक्षार्थमृषिं शरणमेयिवान्,बड़ी-बड़ी दाढ़ोंसे युक्त वनचारी बाघको भूखसे कुटिल भाव धारण किये देख वह चीता अपने जीवनकी रक्षाके लिये पुन: ऋषिकी शरणमें आया
vyāghraṁ dṛṣṭvā kṣudhābhugnaṁ deṣṭiṇaṁ vanagocaram | dadīpī jīvitarakṣārtham ṛṣiṁ śaraṇam eyivān ||
Bhīṣma said: Seeing a forest-roaming tiger—its body weakened by hunger and its intent turned cruel—the leopard, seeking to safeguard its own life, once again went to the sage for refuge. The episode shows that when danger and predation arise, even the strong abandon pride and return to the shelter of dharma and protection.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
When threatened by violence and predation, one should seek śaraṇa (right refuge) and protection through dharma rather than respond with further harm; even powerful beings recognize the moral authority of a righteous protector.
A leopard sees a hungry, hostile tiger roaming the forest and, fearing for its life, returns to the sage it had approached earlier, seeking sanctuary and safety.