Shloka 54
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
इदं हि नकुलोलूकं पापबुद्धयाभिसंस्थितम् | न धर्षयति मार्जार तेन मे स्वस्ति साम्प्रतम्
idaṃ hi nakulolūkaṃ pāpabuddhyābhisaṃsthitam | na dharṣayati mārjāra tena me svasti sāmpratam ||
Bhishma dijo: «Mira, oh gato: aquí la mangosta y el búho han tomado sus posiciones con intención pecaminosa. Están al acecho para atacarme. Mientras no me ataquen, por el momento estoy a salvo».
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights vigilance and moral discernment: recognizing malicious intent early can preserve safety. Ethical clarity includes identifying ‘pāpa-buddhi’ (harmful motives) and responding with prudent restraint rather than reckless engagement.
Bhishma, speaking within an illustrative animal-episode, addresses a cat and points out that a mongoose and an owl are positioned nearby with hostile intent, waiting to attack. He notes that his safety lasts only as long as they do not initiate the assault.