Shloka 7
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
ते सुखप्रश्नदा: सर्वे भवन्ति क्षतजाशना: । तस्यर्षे: शिष्यवच्चैव न्यग्भूता: प्रियकारिण:
te sukhapraśnadāḥ sarve bhavanti kṣatajāśanāḥ | tasyarṣeḥ śiṣyavac caiva nyagbhūtāḥ priyakāriṇaḥ ||
Mereka semua—meski pemakan daging dan makhluk yang hidup dalam kekerasan—di hadapannya menjadi seperti murid sang resi: menundukkan kepala, duduk dekat, menanyakan kesejahteraan dan kesehatan, serta senantiasa bertindak menyenangkan hatinya.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even beings inclined to violence can be restrained and morally softened by the presence of a truly disciplined sage; reverence, humility, and concern for another’s welfare are marks of dharmic influence that can transform conduct.
Bhishma describes how flesh-eating, violent creatures nevertheless sit near a sage with bowed heads, inquire about his well-being, and behave like obedient disciples—highlighting the sage’s spiritual authority and the pacifying effect of his virtue.