Shloka 10
एकचक्रानिवासप्रस्तावः | Ekacakrā Sojourn—Vyāsa’s Consolation and Directive
सर्पिस्तैलवसाभिक्षु लाक्षया चाप्यनल्पया । मृत्तिकां मिश्रयित्वा त्वं लेपं कुड्येषु दापय,'घी, तेल, चर्बी तथा बहुत-सी लाह मिट्टीमें मिलवाकर उसीसे दीवारोंको लिपवाना
sarpis-tailavasā-bhikṣu lākṣayā cāpy analpayā | mṛttikāṃ miśrayitvā tvaṃ lepaṃ kuḍyeṣu dāpaya ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Mix ghee, oil, and animal fat with a large quantity of lac, and blend it with clay; then have the walls plastered with that coating.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse illustrates how practical knowledge and resources can be weaponized through deceit; ethically, it warns that intentions (saṅkalpa) determine whether skillful action supports dharma or becomes an instrument of adharma.
An instruction is being given to prepare a special wall-plaster by mixing combustible substances (ghee, oil, fat, lac) with clay, implying covert preparation of a structure meant to ignite easily—part of a hidden plot rather than ordinary construction.