Shloka 11
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
ततो<भ्ययान्महावीर्यों द्वीपी क्षजभोजन: । स्वार्थमत्यन्तसंतुष्ट: क्रूरकाल इवान्तक:
tato 'bhyayān mahāvīryo dvīpī kṣajabhojanaḥ | svārtham atyantasaṃtuṣṭaḥ krūrakāla ivāntakaḥ ||
Entonces, arremetiendo, apareció por aquel lado un leopardo poderosísimo, devorador de carne, sobremanera complacido con su propia ganancia, como el Tiempo implacable, como la Muerte, decidido a apoderarse del perro.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses the leopard’s eager, self-satisfied advance—likened to Time and Death—to highlight how unchecked self-interest and cruelty can become a force of inevitable destruction, urging vigilance and restraint in ethical conduct.
A powerful flesh-eating leopard rushes forward, delighted by its prospective gain, moving like an embodiment of ruthless Time or Death, intending to seize the dog mentioned in the surrounding story.