Shloka 16
Satya-lakṣaṇa (The Characteristics and Forms of Truth) | सत्यलक्षणम्
चन्दनै: स्यन्दनै: शालै: सरलैदेवदारुभि: । वेतसैर्धन्वनैश्लापि ये चान्ये बलवत्तरा:
candanais syandanaiḥ śālaiḥ saralaiḥ devadārubhiḥ | vetasair dhanvanaiś cāpi ye cānye balavattarāḥ, tasmāt taṁ vai namasyanti śvasanaṁ tarusattamāḥ |
Sinabi ni Nārada: “Maging ang malalakas na punò—sandalwood, syandana (tiniśa), śāla, sarala, deodāra, vetasa, dhanvana, at iba pang higit pang matitibay—ay hindi nagsisisi o naninisi sa Hangin. Batid nila ang sarili nilang lakas at ang kapangyarihan ni Vāyu; kaya ang pinakamahuhusay na punò ay yumuyuko sa gumagalaw na hininga ng Hangin.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the strongest should recognize a truly superior force and respond with humility rather than blame. The verse uses great trees as examples: knowing their own limits and the Wind’s might, they ‘bow’—teaching restraint, realism, and respectful conduct.
Nārada illustrates a moral point through a nature-based analogy: he lists powerful trees and says that they do not accuse the Wind; instead, they acknowledge its power and submit. The image supports an admonition against foolishly faulting a stronger agent and encourages wise deference.