Shloka 8
Ādi-parva, Adhyāya 187: Drupada’s Inquiry and the Dharma Debate on Draupadī’s Marriage
ब्राह्मणा ऊचु नावहास्या भविष्यामो न च लाघवमास्थिता: । न च विद्विष्टतां लोके गमिष्यामो महीक्षिताम्,ब्राह्मण बोले--(भाइयो!) हमारी हँसी नहीं होगी। न हमें किसीके सामने छोटा ही बनना पड़ेगा और लोकमें हमलोग राजाओंके द्वेषपात्र भी नहीं होगे। (अत: इन बातोंकी चिन्ता छोड़ दो)
brāhmaṇā ūcuḥ nāvahāsyā bhaviṣyāmo na ca lāghavam āsthitāḥ | na ca vidviṣṭatāṃ loke gamiṣyāmo mahīkṣitām ||
The brāhmaṇas said: “We shall not become objects of ridicule, nor will we be forced into any humiliating position. Nor shall we, in the eyes of the world, become those whom kings come to hate. Therefore, set aside these worries.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes safeguarding dignity and moral standing: one should act so as not to invite ridicule, humiliation, or public hostility—especially from those in power—thereby preserving social harmony and ethical credibility.
A group of brāhmaṇas reassure others (addressed as ‘brothers’) that their course of action will not lead to mockery, degradation, or becoming hated by kings; they urge that such anxieties be abandoned.