Shloka 15
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
ततो गृध्रवच: श्रुत्वा प्राक्रोशन्तस्तदा नृप । बान्धवास्ते5 भ्यगच्छ न्त पुत्रमुत्सूज्य भूतले,नरेश्वर! तब गीधकी बात सुनकर वे बन्धु-बान्धव जोर-जोरसे रोते हुए अपने पुत्रको भूतलपर छोड़कर घरकी ओर लौटने लगे
tato gṛdhravacaḥ śrutvā prākrośantas tadā nṛpa | bāndhavās te 'bhyagacchanta putram utsṛjya bhūtale ||
Wahai raja, mendengar kata-kata burung nasar itu, para kerabat pun meratap keras. Meninggalkan sang putra terbaring di tanah, mereka berbalik dan mulai pulang.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how intense grief and fear can overwhelm duty and practical wisdom: people may lament loudly yet fail to protect or uphold what they most value. It invites reflection on steadiness (dhairya), discernment, and compassionate responsibility in moments of crisis.
After hearing the vulture’s words, the relatives begin wailing. In their distress they leave the son lying on the ground and start returning home, indicating a turning point where sorrow and shock drive their actions.