Mahabharata 1.187.7 — Adi Parva, Adhyaya 187, Shloka 7
Ādi-parva, Adhyāya 187: Drupada’s Inquiry and the Dharma Debate on Draupadī’s Marriage
यद्येष दर्पद्धिर्षाद् वाप्यथ ब्राह्णचापलात् | प्रस्थितो धनुरायन्तुं वार्यतां साधु मा गमत्
yadyeṣa darpād dhṛṣād vāpy atha brāhmaṇacāpalāt | prasthito dhanur āyantuṁ vāryatāṁ sādhu mā gamat ||
வைசம்பாயனன் கூறினான்—அகந்தை, துடுக்கான துணிவு அல்லது பிராமணருக்குரிய சபலத்தால் அவன் வில்லில் நாணை ஏற்ற முனைந்திருந்தால், அவனைத் தடுக்க வேண்டும்; அவன் செல்லாமலிருப்பதே சிறந்தது.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that actions driven by pride, rash bravado, or unstable impulse should be checked. Ethical conduct requires restraint and discernment before undertaking a consequential act.
A person is about to step forward to string a bow—an act that can signal readiness for a major trial or confrontation. The speaker advises others to stop him if his motive is mere ego, reckless daring, or capriciousness, implying the situation demands seriousness and right intention.
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