Shloka 117
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
पश्य दैवस्य संयोगं बान्धवानां च निश्चयम्
paśya daivasya saṃyogaṃ bāndhavānāṃ ca niścayam
Bhishma said: “Behold the convergence wrought by destiny, and also the firm resolve of kinsmen. By that combination, the tears of those people—who had been weeping in helplessness—were wiped away in a short time. This relief is the fruit of their determined inquiry and sustained effort.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Relief and success arise from a twofold cause: the mysterious convergence of destiny (daiva-saṃyoga) and the steadfast determination (niścaya) of one’s own people. The verse highlights an ethical balance—do not rely on fate alone; sustained inquiry and effort are indispensable, and when they align with providential conditions, suffering is quickly alleviated.
Bhishma points to a situation where people were grieving and shedding tears in helplessness, but their sorrow was soon removed. He attributes this change to the combined effect of providence and the resolute, purposeful actions of their kinsmen—specifically, their deliberate investigation and exertion that produced a tangible result.