Shloka 13
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 97: Satyavatī’s appeal and Bhīṣma’s reaffirmation of satya
अल्पे5पराधे संरम्भाद् वसिष्ठेन महात्मना । विमूढा हि वयं सर्वे प्रच्छन्नमूषिसत्तमम्
alpāparādhe saṁrambhād vasiṣṭhena mahātmanā | vimūḍhā hi vayaṁ sarve pracchannam ṛṣisattamam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “Because the great-souled Vasiṣṭha, in sudden anger, treated a minor fault as a grave offense, we all became bewildered—failing to recognize the foremost of sages who was present in disguise.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a minor fault, when met with impulsive anger, can cloud discernment and lead to ethical misjudgment—so one should respond with restraint and clarity, especially toward the wise.
Vaiśaṃpāyana explains that Vasiṣṭha’s sudden anger over a small offense caused everyone present to become confused, so they failed to recognize a supreme sage who was concealed or in disguise.