Shloka 13
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 97: Satyavatī’s appeal and Bhīṣma’s reaffirmation of satya
अल्पे5पराधे संरम्भाद् वसिष्ठेन महात्मना । विमूढा हि वयं सर्वे प्रच्छन्नमूषिसत्तमम्
alpāparādhe saṁrambhād vasiṣṭhena mahātmanā | vimūḍhā hi vayaṁ sarve pracchannam ṛṣisattamam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana dit : «Parce que Vasiṣṭha, l’âme magnanime, dans un accès de colère, prit une faute légère pour une offense grave, nous fûmes tous frappés de trouble, incapables de reconnaître le plus éminent des sages, présent là sous un déguisement.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a minor fault, when met with impulsive anger, can cloud discernment and lead to ethical misjudgment—so one should respond with restraint and clarity, especially toward the wise.
Vaiśaṃpāyana explains that Vasiṣṭha’s sudden anger over a small offense caused everyone present to become confused, so they failed to recognize a supreme sage who was concealed or in disguise.