Shloka 8
अलर्कोपाख्यानम् — Indriya-Nigraha and Yogic Victory
Mahābhārata 14.30
तच्छुत्वा स विचिन्त्याथ ततो वचनमत्रवीत्,यह सुनकर अलर्कने थोड़ी देरतक विचार किया, इसके बाद वे (नासिकाको लक्ष्य करके) बोले
tac chrutvā sa vicintyātha tato vacanam abravīt
Hearing those words, he reflected for a while; then, having considered the matter, he spoke in reply—framing his response with deliberate restraint and moral attention to what ought to be done.
मन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical deliberation: one should listen carefully, reflect, and only then speak—suggesting that right speech is grounded in thoughtful consideration rather than impulse.
After hearing what has been said, the character pauses to think and then responds. The moment marks a transition from receiving counsel or information to giving a considered reply.