Shloka 4
Durgātitaraṇa—Conduct for Crossing Difficulties (दुर्गातितरणम्)
प्रत्याहुनोच्यमाना ये न हिंसन्ति च हिंसिता: । प्रयच्छन्ति न याचन्ते दुर्गाण्यतितरन्ति ते
pratyāhūnocyamānā ye na hiṃsanti ca hiṃsitāḥ | prayacchanti na yācante durgāṇy atitaranti te ||
Bhīṣma enseigne : « Ceux qui, même provoqués par des paroles dures et des injures, ne rendent pas coup pour coup ; ceux qui, même blessés, ne blessent pas en retour ; et ceux qui choisissent de donner plutôt que de mendier—ces hommes, maîtres d’eux-mêmes et généreux, peuvent franchir les crises et les périls les plus âpres. »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises three linked virtues—non-retaliation to verbal provocation, non-violence even after being harmed, and generosity without dependence on begging—teaching that such disciplined conduct enables one to overcome even severe dangers.
In the Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on dharma after the war; here he highlights the moral strength of patience, restraint, and giving, presenting them as practical means to pass through difficult times.