Shloka 10
Adhyāya 118: Saciva-parīkṣā
Testing and Appointment of Ministers/Servants
दृष्टवा च सो5भवत् सिंहो वन्यो भयसमन्वित: । स चाश्रमे5वसत् सिंहस्तस्मिन्नेव महावने,उसे देखकर जंगली सिंह स्वयं ही डर गया। वह सिंह बना हुआ कुत्ता महावनमें उसी आश्रममें रहने लगा
dṛṣṭvā ca so 'bhavat siṁho vanyo bhayasamanvitaḥ | sa cāśrame 'vasat siṁhas tasminn eva mahāvane ||
Nang makita siya, ang mabangis na leon mismo ay napuno ng takot. At ang leon na iyon ay nanatili sa ashram, sa loob ng dakilang gubat na yaon.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Fear and power are not fixed; they can shift with circumstance and perception. The verse underscores how outward conditions (or a changed form/role within a story) can invert expected hierarchies, inviting reflection on steadiness, discernment, and the ethical consequences of acting from fear.
A wild lion sees someone/something and becomes frightened. Contrary to expectation, the lion does not dominate but instead remains living near the hermitage within the great forest, indicating a reversal of the usual predator’s confidence and setting up a moral point about fear and conduct.