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:,लोमश बोला--भाई! मैं तुमसे सत्यकी शपथ खाकर कहता हूँ, मित्रसे द्रोह करना तो बड़ी घृणित बात है। तुम जो सदा मेरे हितमें तत्पर रहते हो, इसे मैं तुम्हारी उत्तम बुद्धिका ही परिणाम समझता हूँ
lomaśa uvāca satyaṃ śape tvayāhaṃ vai mitradroho vigarhitaḥ | tan manye 'haṃ tava prajñāṃ yas tvaṃ mama hite rataḥ ||
Lomaśa said: “I swear to you in truth: betrayal of a friend is a despicable act. And I take it as the mark of your good judgment that you remain devoted to my welfare.”
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.