Shloka 185
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
लोमश उवाच सत्यं शपे त्वयाहं वै मित्रद्रोहो विगर्हित: | तन्मन्ये5हं तव प्रज्ञां यस्त्वं मम हिते रत:
lomaśa uvāca satyaṃ śape tvayāhaṃ vai mitradroho vigarhitaḥ | tan manye 'haṃ tava prajñāṃ yas tvaṃ mama hite rataḥ ||
Lomaśa sprach: „Ich schwöre dir bei der Wahrheit: Einen Freund zu verraten ist eine verabscheuungswürdige Tat. Und dass du meinem Wohl stets zugetan bleibst, halte ich für ein Zeichen deines guten Urteils.“
लोमश उवाच
Educational Q&A
Friend-betrayal (mitradroha) is ethically reprehensible, while steadfast concern for another’s welfare is presented as a sign of true discernment (prajñā) and right conduct.
Lomaśa addresses someone who is acting for his benefit. He solemnly affirms—by an oath—that betraying a friend is shameful, and he interprets the listener’s continued goodwill toward him as evidence of the listener’s sound judgment.