Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, Shloka 1936
Prajñā as Pratiṣṭhā — Indra–Kāśyapa Saṃvāda (Śānti-parva 12.173)
नैच्छन्त तं भक्षयितुं पापकर्माणमित्युत । राक्षसराजके इस प्रकार आदेश देनेपर भी भयानक पराक्रमी राक्षसोंने गौतमको खानेकी इच्छा नहीं की; क्योंकि वह घोर पापाचारी था
naicchanta taṁ bhakṣayituṁ pāpakarmāṇam ity uta | rākṣasarājake
Wika ni Bhishma: “Ayaw nila siyang lamunin, sapagkat sinabi nila, ‘Siya’y taong gumagawa ng kasalanan.’ Kaya kahit nag-utos ang hari ng mga Rākṣasa, ang mga kakila-kilabot at makapangyarihang Rākṣasa ay hindi pa rin nagnasang kainin si Gautama, dahil siya’y isang mabigat na salarin.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even beings known for violence recognize moral pollution: extreme sinfulness is portrayed as repulsive and unworthy, suggesting that adharma carries consequences that extend beyond legal punishment—one’s very person becomes ethically tainted and socially rejected.
Bhishma narrates that a Rakshasa-king orders his Rakshasas to devour Gautama, but they refuse, declaring him a grievous sinner; despite the command, they do not wish to eat him because of his wicked conduct.