Shloka 8
Jatāyu’s Resistance, Sītā’s Traces, Kabandha’s Release, and the Path to Sugrīva (Āraṇyaka-parva 263)
तमागतमभिप्रेक्ष्य मुनिं परमकोपनम् | दुर्योधनो विनीतात्मा प्रश्रयेण दमेन च
tam āgatam abhiprekṣya muniṁ paramakopanam | duryodhano vinītātmā praśrayeṇa damena ca ||
Seeing that sage arrive—one of exceedingly fierce wrath—Duryodhana, mastering himself, approached with humility and self-restraint.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical value of dama (self-restraint) and praśraya (humble respect), especially in the presence of spiritual authority. It also suggests that outward humility can be adopted even by the arrogant when faced with consequences—inviting reflection on sincerity versus expediency in moral conduct.
Vaishampayana narrates that Duryodhana sees a powerful sage arrive, described as intensely wrathful. Recognizing the danger and authority embodied by the muni, Duryodhana composes himself and approaches with deference and restraint.