Shloka 17
Adhyāya 12: Devas’ Petition to Nahūṣa; Bṛhaspati on Śaraṇāgata-Dharma; Indrāṇī’s Strategic Delay
नाकार्य कर्तुमिच्छामि ब्राह्मण: सन् विशेषत: । श्रुतर्थर्मा सत्यशीलो जानन् धर्मानुशासनम्
na akāryaṁ kartum icchāmi brāhmaṇaḥ san viśeṣataḥ | śrutadharmā satyaśīlo jānan dharmānuśāsanam ||
Śalya said: “I do not wish to do what ought not to be done—especially since I am a brāhmaṇa. I have heard the teachings of dharma, I am devoted to truth as my very disposition, and I understand the scriptural discipline that instructs dharma. Therefore I will not commit this sinful act. O best of the gods, you should return. In this matter, listen to the song that Brahmā once sang in ancient times.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts that ethical restraint (not doing akārya, an improper act) is grounded in dharma-learning, truthfulness, and adherence to scriptural injunctions. One’s social and moral identity—here, being a brāhmaṇa—heightens responsibility to refuse sinful action.
Śalya declares he will not participate in an unrighteous deed, citing his training in dharma and commitment to truth. He then signals a transition to an authoritative precedent by introducing an ancient teaching attributed to Brahmā, implying that the matter will be clarified through a traditional “song” or doctrinal citation.