Shloka 22
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
ततो दृष्टवा स शार्दूलो नाहनतू् तं विशाम्पते । सतुश्चा व्याप्रतां प्राप्प बलवान् पिशिताशन:,प्रजानाथ! तदनन्तर वह बाघ उसे अपने समान रूपमें देखकर मार न सका। उधर वह कुत्ता बलवान् बाघ होकर मांसका आहार करने लगा
tato dṛṣṭvā sa śārdūlo nāhanat taṃ viśāṃpate | sa tu śvā vyāpratāṃ prāpya balavān piśitāśanaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: Then, seeing him in a form like his own, the tiger could not strike him down, O lord of the people. But that dog, having attained the state of a tiger, became strong and took to eating flesh. The episode shows how outward transformation can alter conduct, and how power, once gained, can quickly turn toward violence unless restrained by dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
External change or newly acquired power can rapidly reshape behavior; without dharmic restraint, strength tends to drift toward violence and predation. The verse hints that true nobility lies not merely in form or power, but in self-control and ethical conduct.
A tiger sees the (formerly) dog now appearing in a tiger-like state and does not kill him. Meanwhile, the dog—having attained that powerful condition—becomes strong and begins living as a flesh-eater, adopting the predatory habits associated with the new form.