Shloka 135
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
एवमुक्त: परां शान्तिं माजरिण स मूषिक: । उवाच परमन्त्रज्ञ: श्लक्षणमात्महितं वच:,बिलावकी ऐसी परम शान्तिपूर्ण बातें सुनकर उत्तम मन्त्रणाके ज्ञाता चूहेने मधुर वाणीमें अपने लिये हितकर वचन कहा--
evam uktaḥ parāṃ śāntiṃ mārjāriṇā sa mūṣikaḥ | uvāca paramantrajñaḥ ślakṣṇam ātmahitaṃ vacaḥ ||
Bhishma sprach: So von der Katze mit Worten höchster Friedfertigkeit angesprochen, erwiderte die Maus — kundig im Rat — in sanftem Ton und sprach, was sie für ihr eigenes Wohl als nützlich erachtete.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when peace-filled advice is offered, one must discern motives and consequences. The verse contrasts outward gentleness (śānti, ślakṣṇa-vacana) with inner calculation (ātma-hita), teaching careful judgment about trust, counsel, and self-preservation within dharma.
After the she-cat speaks soothing, peace-oriented words, the mouse—described as highly skilled in counsel—responds politely and strategically, choosing words that serve his own interest. It sets up a dialogue where apparent harmony may conceal competing aims.