Shloka 10
Plakṣaprasravaṇa–Kārapacana tīrtha-varṇana and Nārada’s war briefing (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 53)
एतच्छुत्वाब्रुवन् देवा: सहस्राक्षमिदं वच: । वरेण च्छन्द्यतां शक्र राजर्षियदि शक्यते,यह सुनकर देवताओंने सहसनेत्रधारी इन्द्रसे कहा--'शक्र! यदि सम्भव हो तो राजर्षि कुरुको वर देकर अपने अनुकूल किया जाय
etac chrutvābruvan devāḥ sahasrākṣam idaṃ vacaḥ | vareṇa cchandyatāṃ śakra rājarṣir yadi śakyate ||
Mendengar itu, para dewa berkata kepada Sahasrākṣa (Indra): “Wahai Śakra, jika mungkin, menangkanlah resi-raja itu—jadikan ia berpihak—dengan menganugerahinya sebuah anugerah.”
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a pragmatic ethical idea: when confronting a powerful or principled figure, coercion is not the only path—conciliation through a rightful boon or honor can align intentions without open conflict, provided it is feasible and appropriate.
After hearing a prior development, the gods collectively advise Indra (Śakra), urging him to try to bring a royal sage to their side by offering a boon, if such persuasion is possible.