Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 27
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
चिन्तयामास देदवेन्द्रो मन्युनाथ परिप्लुत: । उपकारोअस्य राजर्षे: कृतो नापकृतं मया
cintayāmāsa devendro manyunātha pariplutaḥ | upakāro ’sya rājarṣeḥ kṛto nāpakṛtaṃ mayā ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “Nalunod at tinulak ng galit, nagmuni si Devendra (Indra): ‘Kabutihan lamang ang naibigay ko sa maharlikang rishí na ito; wala akong ginawang masama.’” Ipinahihiwatig ng pag-iisip na ito ang sariling pagbibigay-katwiran—itinuturing ni Indra ang kanyang ginawa bilang “tulong” at hindi “pananakit”, kahit sumisiklab ang hinanakit sa pagtanaw sa iba na umuunlad nang magkakasama.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger can distort moral judgment: one may rationalize one’s conduct as ‘help’ (upakāra) and deny any ‘harm’ (apakṛta), even when the surrounding context suggests resentment and conflict. It cautions against self-serving ethical narratives formed under the sway of manyu (wrath).
Bhīṣma narrates that Indra, seeing the situation and becoming overwhelmed with anger, internally reflects that he has only benefited a certain royal sage and has not wronged him. The line captures Indra’s emotional state and his attempt to justify his role in the unfolding events.