Shloka 8
Adhyāya 118: Saciva-parīkṣā
Testing and Appointment of Ministers/Servants
त॑ दृष्टवा सिंहमायान्तं नाग: सिंहभयार्दित: । ऋषिं शरणमापेदे वेपमानो भयातुर:,उस सिंहको आते देख वह हाथी उसके भयसे पीड़ित एवं आतुर हो थर-थर काँपने लगा और ऋषिकी शरणमें गया
taṁ dṛṣṭvā siṁham āyāntaṁ nāgaḥ siṁha-bhayārditaḥ | ṛṣiṁ śaraṇam āpede vepamāno bhayāturaḥ ||
Bhishma disse: Ao ver o leão aproximar-se, o elefante—atingido pelo medo do leão—ficou aflito e, tremendo de terror, buscou refúgio junto a um sábio rishi.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
In moments of danger, seeking śaraṇa (refuge) with the righteous is portrayed as a dharmic response; fear can drive even the strong to humility and dependence on moral/spiritual protection.
A lion approaches; the elephant, terrified and trembling, abandons resistance and goes to a sage for protection, setting up an ethical illustration about refuge and the role of holy persons.