Shloka 296
प्रवृत्ते दारुणे युद्धे शाल्वार्थ नापतं पुरा । “अथवा अपने मूढ़ पिताको दोष दूँ, जिन्होंने मेरा स्वयंवर किया। मेरे द्वारा सबसे बड़ा दोष यह हुआ है कि पूर्वकालमें जिस समय वह भयंकर युद्ध चल रहा था, उसी समय मैं शाल्वके लिये भीष्मके रथसे कूद नहीं पड़ी
pravṛtte dāruṇe yuddhe śālvārtha nāpataṃ purā |
Sinabi ni Bhishma: “Noong unang panahon, nang nagsimula na ang kakila-kilabot na digmaang iyon, hindi ako tumalon mula sa karwahe ni Bhishma alang-alang kay Śālva.” Ipinahihiwatig nito ang pagbabalik-tanaw na pagsisi at pag-aakusa sa sarili: ang hindi pagkilos sa sandaling mapagpasya ay itinuturing na sariling kasalanan, na para bang sa oras ng krisis, ang tungkulin ay humihingi ng agarang pasya kahit may panganib.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical accountability for one’s choices during moments of danger: failing to act when duty calls can become a lasting moral burden, especially when the stakes involve protection, loyalty, or rightful obligation.
Bhīṣma recalls an earlier episode in which a fierce battle was underway, and he admits that he did not jump down from his chariot for Śālva’s sake—presenting this as a significant lapse or missed decisive action.