Shloka 98
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
नदन्ति परुषं श्येना: शिवा: क्रोशन्ति दारुणम् । मृगेन्द्रा: प्रतिनन्दन्ति रविरस्तं च गच्छति
nadanti paruṣaṁ śyenāḥ śivāḥ krośanti dāruṇam | mṛgendrāḥ pratinandanti ravir astaṁ ca gacchati ||
Disse o abutre: “Os gaviões gritam asperamente; os chacais uivam com sons terríveis. Os leões rugem em resposta, e o sol desce rumo ao horizonte ocidental. Estes sinais funestos na floresta anunciam uma calamidade próxima e avisam que o tempo se volta para o perigo.”
गृध्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses natural portents—harsh cries of predators and the setting sun—to convey ethical vigilance: when signs of disorder and danger appear, one should become alert, restrain rash action, and prepare to act according to dharma rather than be swept away by fear or impulse.
A vulture speaks, describing the forest filled with ominous sounds—hawks, jackals, and lions—and noting that the sun is setting. The scene functions as a warning marker in the story, indicating that a perilous moment is imminent.