Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
तथा तयोर्विवदतोर्विज्ञानविदुषोर्द्रयो: । बान्धवानां स्थितानां चाप्युपातिष्ठत शड़्कर:
tathā tayor vivadatyor vijñāna-viduṣor drayoḥ | bāndhavānāṁ sthitānāṁ cāpy upātiṣṭhata śaṅkaraḥ |
Wika ni Bhishma: “Habang ang dalawang marunong na nagtatalo—sanay sa kaalaman at paghimay—ay patuloy sa pagtutunggali, at ang mga kamag-anak ng yumao’y nakatayo sa tabi, nagpakita sa harap nila si Panginoong Śaṅkara (Shiva), ayon sa pag-uudyok ni Diyosa Pārvatī. Basâ sa habag ang Kanyang mga mata. At sinabi ni Panginoong Shiva, ang tagapagkaloob ng biyaya, sa mga taong iyon: ‘Ipinagkakaloob ko sa inyo ang isang biyaya.’”
भीष्म उवाच
Even when human beings are caught in contention—however learned they may be—resolution can come through compassion and divine grace. Śiva’s appearance with tearful eyes underscores that dharma is not only judgment but also mercy, and that boons (when rightly sought) can restore balance and relieve suffering.
Two knowledgeable parties are engaged in a debate while the relatives of a deceased person stand by. At that moment, prompted by Pārvatī, Lord Śiva (Śaṅkara) manifests before them, moved by compassion, and announces that he will grant them a boon.