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 disse: “Porque Vasiṣṭha, de grande alma, num ímpeto de ira, tomou uma falta pequena por grave ofensa, todos nós ficamos aturdidos—sem reconhecer o mais eminente dos sábios, ali presente sob disfarce.”
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.