Shloka 22
The Glory of Truthful Oaths and Keeping One’s Promise
Satya & Pratijñā
यदिच्छा ते भवेद्विप्र दास्यामि विधिपूर्वकम् । नय मे दक्षिणं हस्तं दास्यामि चान्यथा नहि
yadicchā te bhavedvipra dāsyāmi vidhipūrvakam | naya me dakṣiṇaṃ hastaṃ dāsyāmi cānyathā nahi
يا brāhmaṇa، إن كانت هذه رغبتك فسأهبها وفق الشعائر المقرَّرة. خذ يدي اليمنى؛ هكذا أُعطي—وإلا فلا.
Unspecified (context required to identify the exact speaker within the dialogue)
Concept: Dharma requires vidhi (proper procedure) and niyama (clear constraints); gifts must be given in the right way, not merely intended.
Application: Make commitments with both sincerity and correct process—ethical means matter as much as ends; set clear boundaries to prevent adharma.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The king extends his right hand in a solemn pledge, palm open, while the brāhmaṇa stands poised to accept the gesture as a sign of lawful giving. Ritual items—water pot, kusa grass, and a small fire—anchor the moment as a sacred contract rather than a casual promise.","primary_figures":["Vīra-vikramaḥ (king)","brāhmaṇa"],"setting":"Courtyard beside a prepared vedi; attendants hold garlands and a kalasha; a doorway hints at the maiden’s presence off-scene.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["ghee-gold","lotus pink","copper","cream white","indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close-focus on the king’s extended right hand and the brāhmaṇa’s accepting gesture, with gold leaf highlighting the hands and ritual vessels; ornate textiles, rich reds/greens, symmetrical composition, subtle Vishnu symbols (śaṅkha-cakra) in the arch to imply dharma’s divine witness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined hand gestures and expressive eyes; delicate rendering of ritual objects, soft shadows, patterned shawls; a quiet courtyard with flowering vines, emphasizing ‘vidhi-pūrvaka’ restraint and elegance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines emphasizing the right-hand pledge; stylized kalasha and agni; warm red/yellow/green palette with rhythmic border motifs of lotus and conch.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central gesture of offering framed by lotus borders; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks and floral vines; small śaṅkha-cakra motifs as auspicious witnesses to the vow."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["single conch note (soft)","fire crackle","water being poured","bracelet clink","attentive silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यदिच्छा = यदि + इच्छा; भवेद्विप्र = भवेत् + विप्र; चान्यथा = च + अन्यथा
FAQs
It stresses that giving (dāna or a formal grant) should be done vidhi-pūrvakam—according to prescribed procedure—rather than informally or contrary to rule.
The right hand (dakṣiṇa-hasta) is conventionally associated with auspicious, lawful transfer—often used as a sign of formal consent and ritualized giving in dharma and saṃskāra contexts.
It teaches integrity in commitments: one should give only with proper consent and in a lawful, transparent manner, not through irregular or coercive means.