Shloka 124
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
विहताश: क्षणेनास्ते तस्माद् देशादपाक्रमत् । जगाम स स्वभवनं चाण्डालो भरतर्षभ
vihatāśaḥ kṣaṇenāste tasmād deśād apākramat | jagāma sa svabhavanaṃ cāṇḍālo bharatarṣabha ||
Nabigo ang pag-asa, kaya ang Caṇḍāla ay umurong mula sa pook na iyon sa isang kisapmata. Pagkaraan, O toro sa mga Bharata, siya’y nagbalik sa sarili niyang tahanan—napawi ang pag-asa at nauwi sa wala ang kanyang pagsisikap.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical realism that when an effort proves fruitless, one should withdraw without agitation. It highlights the state of being 'vihatāśa' (hope defeated) and the calm acceptance of outcome—an implicit counsel toward steadiness and non-attachment to results.
A Caṇḍāla, having failed in his immediate purpose, leaves the place at once and returns to his home. Bhīṣma narrates this as part of a larger illustrative episode in the Śānti Parva.