Shloka 14
जापक–इक्ष्वाकु–सत्यविवादः
The Jāpaka, Ikṣvāku, and the Dispute on Truth and Merit
श्लोकौ चात्र भवत:-- वात्सल्यात्सर्व भूते भ्यो वाच्या: श्रोत्रसुखा गिर: । परितापोपघातकश्न पारुष्यं चात्र गर्हितम्,इस विषयमें ये दो श्लोक प्रसिद्ध हैं-- वाणी ऐसी बोलनी चाहिये, जिसमें सब प्राणियोंके प्रति स्नेह भरा हो तथा जो सुनते समय कानोंको सुखद जान पड़े। दूसरोंको पीड़ा देना, मारना और कटुवचन सुनाना--ये सब निन्दित कार्य हैं
ślokau cātra bhavataḥ— vātsalyāt sarvabhūtebhyo vācyāḥ śrotrasukhā giraḥ | paritāpopaghātakaś ca pāruṣyaṃ cātra garhitam ||
Bharadvāja said: “Two well-known verses are cited here: One should speak words that arise from affectionate goodwill toward all living beings—words that are pleasant to the ear. Causing others distress, striking or injuring them, and harsh speech are all condemned here as blameworthy conduct.”
भरद्वाज उवाच
Educational Q&A
Cultivate compassionate, ear-pleasing speech rooted in goodwill toward all beings, and avoid causing pain—whether by physical harm or by harsh, abusive words—since such conduct is censured in dharma.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, Bharadvāja cites two proverbial verses to instruct on ethical conduct, emphasizing non-harm and disciplined speech as part of righteous living.