Shloka 98
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
नदन्ति परुषं श्येना: शिवा: क्रोशन्ति दारुणम् । मृगेन्द्रा: प्रतिनन्दन्ति रविरस्तं च गच्छति
nadanti paruṣaṁ śyenāḥ śivāḥ krośanti dāruṇam | mṛgendrāḥ pratinandanti ravir astaṁ ca gacchati ||
Wika ng buwitre: “Sumisigaw nang magaspang ang mga lawin; umuungal nang nakapanghihilakbot ang mga asong-gubat. Umuugong na sumasagot ang mga leon, at ang araw ay lumulubog na sa kanlurang abot-tanaw. Ang masasamang palatandaang ito sa gubat ay hudyat ng nalalapit na kapahamakan at babala na ang panahon ay kumikiling sa panganib.”
गृध्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses natural portents—harsh cries of predators and the setting sun—to convey ethical vigilance: when signs of disorder and danger appear, one should become alert, restrain rash action, and prepare to act according to dharma rather than be swept away by fear or impulse.
A vulture speaks, describing the forest filled with ominous sounds—hawks, jackals, and lions—and noting that the sun is setting. The scene functions as a warning marker in the story, indicating that a perilous moment is imminent.