Shloka 33
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
केन दुःखेन संतप्ता रोदिषि त्वं वरानने । ब्राह्मणं तं ततो दृष्टवा सा स्त्री करुणमब्रवीत्,'सुमुखि! तुम किस दुःखसे संतप्त होकर रो रही हो?” उस ब्राह्मणको देखकर वह स्त्री करुणस्वरमें बोली--
kena duḥkhena santaptā rodiṣi tvaṃ varānane | brāhmaṇaṃ taṃ tato dṛṣṭvā sā strī karuṇam abravīt |
“O marikit ang mukha, anong dalamhati ang nagpapahirap sa iyo kaya ikaw ay umiiyak?” Nang makita niya ang brāhmaṇa, nagsalita ang babae sa tinig na hitik sa habag—
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharmic sensitivity: before judging or advising, one should inquire into the cause of another’s suffering and respond with karuṇā (compassionate speech), which is itself an ethical act.
A woman is seen weeping. A question is posed—what grief afflicts her? Upon noticing a brāhmaṇa, she begins to speak compassionately, initiating a dialogue that will explain her distress.