Shloka 19
आपद्धर्मे कोशबलन्यायः | Treasury, Force, and Crisis-Ethics for the King
तमनुध्यान्तमालक्ष्य राजा परमदुर्मना: । उवाच वाकयं दीनात्मा मन्दं मन्दमिवासकृत्,उनको चिन्तन करते देख परम दुखी हुए नरेश दीनहृदय हो मन्द-मन्द वाणीमें बारंबार इस प्रकार कहने लगे--
tam anudhyāntam ālakṣya rājā paramadurmanāḥ | uvāca vākyam dīnātmā mandaṁ mandam ivāsakṛt ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Nang makita ng hari na siya’y nakalubog sa pagninilay, lalo siyang nabagabag. Taglay ang pusong dinadaganan ng dalamhati, nagsalita siya—paulit-ulit—sa mababa at banayad na tinig, na wari’y nauutal sa tindi ng lungkot.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of reflection and the human response to it: when one is seen deeply contemplating (often about duty, loss, or right conduct), it can stir profound remorse or concern in others. It sets a tone of humility and seriousness before moral instruction is given.
Bhīṣma notes that the king, noticing someone absorbed in contemplation, becomes deeply sorrowful and repeatedly addresses him in a subdued voice—signaling an emotionally charged moment that precedes further questioning or counsel.