Shloka 296
अम्बोपाख्याने तापसानां विचारः तथा होत्रवाहनस्य उपदेशः
Ambā among ascetics; Hotravāhana directs her to Paraśurāma
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 |
毗湿摩说道：“往昔，当那场惨烈的战争已然爆发之时，我竟未曾为沙尔瓦之故，从毗湿摩的战车上跃下。”此语乃追悔自责：说话者将关键时刻的迟疑视为己过，暗示危难之际，义务或须立断，即便冒险亦在所不辞。
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.