Shloka 7
शल्मलि–पवनसंवादः
The Dialogue of Śalmali and Pavana
प्रविशन्नेव स वनं निगृहीत: सकण्टकै: । स कण्टकैर्विभिन्नाड्को लोहिताद्रीकृतच्छवि:,राजन! कोई मनुष्य कितनी ही प्याससे पीड़ित क्यों न हो, नि:ःसंदेह उस सरोवरके दर्शनमात्रसे वह तृप्त हो सकता था। इधर यह व्याध उपवासके कारण अत्यन्त दुर्बल हो गया था, तो भी उधर दृष्टिपात किये बिना ही बड़े हर्षके साथ हिंसक जन्तुओंसे भरे हुए वनमें प्रवेश कर गया। महान् लक्ष्यपर पहुँचनेका निश्चय करके बहेलिया उस वनमें घुसा। घुसते ही कैँटीली झाड़ियोंमें फँस गया। काँटोंस उसका सारा शरीर छिदकर लहूलुहान हो गया
praviśann eva sa vanaṁ nigṛhītaḥ sakaṇṭakaiḥ | sa kaṇṭakair vibhinnāṅgo lohitādrīkṛtacchaviḥ ||
Bhishma said: As he entered the forest, he was at once seized and held back by thorny growths. His limbs were pierced all over by the thorns, and his body’s appearance turned blood-red. The episode shows how one, driven by a fixed resolve toward a chosen aim, may rush ahead even when weakened—yet nature and circumstance can immediately inflict the painful consequences of such heedless haste.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Determination alone is not sufficient; when one advances without due care—especially in weakness—immediate obstacles and painful consequences can arise. The verse highlights the ethical need for prudence and awareness alongside resolve.
A man enters a forest and is instantly caught by thorny bushes. The thorns pierce his body, leaving him bloodied, illustrating the harshness of the path he has chosen.