Shloka 21
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
संवासजं परं स्नेहमृषिणा कुर्वता तदा । स द्वीपी व्याप्रतां नीतो रिपू्णां बलवत्तर:
saṃvāsajaṃ paraṃ sneham ṛṣiṇā kurvatā tadā | sa dvīpī vyāpratāṃ nīto ripūṇāṃ balavattaraḥ ||
संवासजं परं स्नेहमृषिणा कुर्वता तदा । स द्वीपी व्याप्रतां नीतो रिपूणां बलवत्तरः ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Close, sustained association (saṃvāsa) and genuine affection (sneha) can reshape behavior and capacity; nurture and guidance can awaken strength and purposeful action, even in a being with fierce instincts.
Bhīṣma describes a sage who, by maintaining deep companionship-born affection, brings a leopard into active exertion; as a result, it becomes more formidable against its enemies—illustrating transformation through care and proximity.