Shloka 20
Gautama–Śakra Saṃvāda: Karma, Loka-bheda, and the Restoration of the Elephant
गौतम उवाच मेरोरग्रे यद् वनं भाति रम्यं सुपुष्पितं किन्नरीगीतजुष्टम् । सुदर्शना यत्र जम्बूर्विशाला तत्र त्वाहं हस्तिनं यातयिष्ये
gautama uvāca meror agre yad vanaṁ bhāti ramyaṁ supuṣpitaṁ kinnarīgītajuṣṭam | sudarśanā yatra jambūr viśālā tatra tvāhaṁ hastinaṁ yātayiṣye ||
Gautama sprach: „Vor dem Berge Meru erglänzt ein wonniger Wald, reich an Blüten und erfüllt vom Gesang der Kinnara-Jungfrauen. Dort, wo ein herrlicher, weit ausladender Jambu-Baum in Schönheit steht—dorthin werde ich dich führen, und dort werde ich meinen Elefanten zurückfordern.“
गौतम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores ethical resolve and accountability: Gautama sets a clear condition and destination for reclaiming what is his, emphasizing firmness in one’s vow and rightful restitution rather than impulsive force.
Gautama describes a wondrous, auspicious location near Mount Meru—filled with blossoms and celestial song—and declares that upon reaching that place he will lead the other party there and take back his elephant.