Shloka 95
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
गृध्र उवाच अयं प्रेतसमाकीर्णो यक्षराक्षससेवित: । दारुण: काननोददेश: कौशिकैरभिनादित:
gṛdhra uvāca | ayaṃ pretasamākīrṇo yakṣarākṣasasevitaḥ | dāruṇaḥ kānanoddeśaḥ kauśikair abhināditaḥ ||
Sinabi ng buwitre: “Ang bahaging ito ng gubat ay siksik ng mga espiritu at dinadalaw ng mga Yaksha at Rakshasa. Ito’y isang mabagsik at nakapanghihilakbot na ilang, umaalingawngaw sa huni ng mga kuwago. Kaya’t ang pook na ito ay tunay na nakatatakot.”
गृध्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores prudent discernment: when signs indicate danger—whether natural (a harsh wilderness) or symbolic (spirits, ominous cries)—one should not proceed blindly. Ethical action includes caution, situational awareness, and avoiding needless risk.
A vulture addresses a person (implied by the context) and warns that the surrounding forest-region is frightening and perilous, described as crowded with spirits, inhabited by Yakṣas and Rākṣasas, and echoing with the calls of owls—an ominous soundscape signaling danger.