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 ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: Noong panahong iyon, habang pinananatili ng pantas ang pinakadakilang pag-ibig na isinilang ng malapit na pagsasama, ang leopardo ay binago at ginawang tigre, at naging higit na makapangyarihan laban sa mga kaaway. Itinatampok ng taludtod na ang matagal at masinsing pakikisama at pag-aaruga ay nakapagbabago ng ugali at lakas—paalaalang ang pag-aalaga at ugnayan ay nakapaglilihis sa likas na hilig tungo sa mabisang pagkilos.
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.