Shloka 21
आर्जुन–गन्धर्वसंवादः
Arjuna–Gandharva Dialogue on Honor, Night-Power, and Purohita-Nīti
मा पिता रुद मा मातर्मा स्वसस्त्विति चाब्रवीत् । प्रहसन्निव सर्वास्तानेकेकमनुसर्पति,“पिताजी! न रोओ, माँ! न रोओ, बहिन! न रोओ, वह हँसता हुआ-सा प्रत्येकके पास जाता और सबसे यही बात कहता था। तदनन्तर उसने एक तिनका उठा लिया और अत्यन्त हर्षमें भरकर कहा--'मैं इसीसे उस नरभक्षी राक्षसको मार डालूँगा”
mā pitā ruda mā mātar mā svasas tv iti cābravīt | prahasann iva sarvāṁs tān ekekam anusarpati |
Vaiśampāyana nói: “Cậu bé bảo: ‘Cha đừng khóc, mẹ đừng khóc, các chị đừng khóc.’ Mỉm cười như đang đùa, cậu đi đến từng người một trong họ, lặp lại những lời ấy, làm dịu nỗi sợ và giữ vững lòng họ trước hiểm họa.”
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a moment of fear, the speaker models steadiness and compassion: rather than amplifying grief, he restrains it and reassures loved ones. The ethical emphasis is on courage joined with care—protecting others emotionally while preparing to face danger.
A character moves from person to person in his family—father, mother, and sisters—telling each not to cry. His smiling, almost playful demeanor is meant to calm them and prevent panic as a threatening situation approaches.