Shloka 7
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
ते सुखप्रश्नदा: सर्वे भवन्ति क्षतजाशना: । तस्यर्षे: शिष्यवच्चैव न्यग्भूता: प्रियकारिण:,यद्यपि वे सारे-के-सारे मांसाहारी हिंसक जानवर थे, तो भी उस ऋषिके शिष्यकी भाँति नीचे सिर किये उनके पास बैठते थे, उनके सुख और स्वास्थ्यकी बात पूछते थे और सदा उनका प्रिय करते थे
te sukhapraśnadāḥ sarve bhavanti kṣatajāśanāḥ | tasyarṣeḥ śiṣyavac caiva nyagbhūtāḥ priyakāriṇaḥ ||
ビーシュマは言った。「彼らは皆――肉を食らい暴力を本性とする者でありながら――その仙人の前では弟子のようになった。頭を垂れて傍らに坐し、安否と健康を問い、つねに彼の喜ぶことを行った。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even beings inclined to violence can be restrained and morally softened by the presence of a truly disciplined sage; reverence, humility, and concern for another’s welfare are marks of dharmic influence that can transform conduct.
Bhishma describes how flesh-eating, violent creatures nevertheless sit near a sage with bowed heads, inquire about his well-being, and behave like obedient disciples—highlighting the sage’s spiritual authority and the pacifying effect of his virtue.