Shloka 7
स्त्रीपर्व — गान्धारीभीमसेनसंवादः
Strī-parva — Gāndhārī–Bhīmasena Dialogue on Wartime Conduct
न कोप: पाण्डवे कार्यो गान्धारि शममाप्रुहि । वचो निगृह्मातामेतच्छूणु चेदं वचो मम,“गान्धारराजकुमारी! शान्त हो जाओ। तुम्हें पाण्डुपुत्र युधिष्ठिरपर क्रोध नहीं करना चाहिये। अभी-अभी जो बात मुहसे निकालना चाहती हो, उसे रोक लो और मेरी यह बात सुनो
na kopaḥ pāṇḍave kāryo gāndhāri śamam āpruhi | vaco nigṛhṇātām etac chṛṇu ca idaṃ vaco mama ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Gāndhārī, you must not direct anger toward the Pāṇḍava. Attain calmness. Restrain the words that are rising to your lips, and listen to what I have to say.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the midst of grief, anger should be restrained and replaced with śama (calm self-control). Ethical speech begins with checking impulsive words, especially when blame is being cast in a moment of emotional upheaval.
After the war, Gāndhārī is overwhelmed and inclined to direct her wrath at the Pāṇḍavas. The narrator Vaiśampāyana intervenes, urging her to calm down, hold back harsh speech, and hear his counsel before acting or speaking.