Shloka 159
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
अकाले हि समर्थस्य स्नेहहेतुरयं तव । तस्मान्नाहं चले स्वार्थात् सुस्थिर: संधिविग्रहे
akāle hi samarthasya snehahētur ayaṁ tava | tasmān nāhaṁ cale svārthāt susthiraḥ saṁdhivigrahē ||
Bhishma dijo: «Aunque eres capaz, esta muestra intempestiva de afecto hacia mí tiene por motivo el propio interés. Por eso tampoco yo puedo apartarme de mi conveniencia; mi determinación respecto a la paz y a la hostilidad es firme y está ya decidida».
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights that apparent affection shown at an inopportune moment may be driven by ulterior motives, and he asserts the importance of steady resolve in matters of policy—whether to pursue reconciliation (saṁdhi) or conflict (vigraha)—without being swayed by strategic flattery.
In the Shanti Parva’s discourse on governance and conduct, Bhishma responds to an interlocutor’s sudden friendliness by interpreting it as interest-driven persuasion. He declares that he will not abandon his own considered stance and remains firm about the course to take regarding peace or war.