Shloka 12
Bhīṣma on the Śara-Śayyā: Yudhiṣṭhira and Kṛṣṇa Approach the Eldest for Śānti
ततो निशाम्य गाड़ेयं शाम्यमानमिवानलम् । किंचिद् दीनमना भीष्ममिति होवाच केशव:
tato niśāmya gāḍeyaṃ śāmyamānam ivānalam | kiṃcid dīna-manā bhīṣmam iti hovāca keśavaḥ ||
Pagkaraan, nang mapansin ni Keśava (Kṛṣṇa) si Bhīṣma—anak ng Gaṅgā—na bahagyang nanlulumong ang diwa at wari’y parang apoy na unti-unting namamatay, kinausap niya ito sa mga salitang ito. Dito nagsisimula ang payong magpapatatag ng isip at muling magpapasiklab ng loob sa paghahangad ng dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical moment: when a wise elder’s inner strength wanes, compassionate and dharma-oriented counsel is timely. It highlights attentiveness to another’s mental state and the duty to restore clarity and resolve before instruction on dharma proceeds.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Kṛṣṇa notices Bhīṣma looking dejected, likened to a fire that is dying down, and then begins to speak to him—introducing the forthcoming dialogue and guidance in the Śānti Parva.