Shloka 25
Śānti Parva, Adhyāya 52 — Bhīṣma’s Humility Before Kṛṣṇa and the Granting of Boons
ववौ शिव: सुखो वायु: सर्वगन्धवह: शुचि: । शान्तायां दिशि शान्ताश्च प्रावदन् मृगपक्षिण:
vaiśampāyana uvāca | vavau śivaḥ sukho vāyuḥ sarvagandhavahaḥ śuciḥ | śāntāyāṃ diśi śāntāś ca prāvadan mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : Une brise bienveillante et douce soufflait—pure, chargée de tous les parfums. Les directions étaient paisibles, et dans ce calme les bêtes et les oiseaux eux-mêmes s’adoucirent, faisant entendre des sons suaves et sereins : signe extérieur que l’instant était de bon augure et propice à un conseil posé, conforme au dharma, plutôt qu’à l’agitation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a calm, fragrant, pure breeze and the quieting of animals and birds as an auspicious sign: when the environment becomes serene, it mirrors and supports inner composure, making it fit for dharmic reflection and wise instruction—central concerns of the Śānti Parva.
Vaiśampāyana describes the atmosphere as wholly peaceful: a gentle, fragrant wind blows, the directions are quiet, and even animals and birds seem calm and sweet-voiced. This sets a tranquil stage for the ensuing discourse characteristic of the Śānti Parva.