Shloka 32
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
भक्ष्यार्थ संलिहानं तं भूमावूर्ध्वमुखं स्थितम् । शाखागतमरिं चान्यमपश्यत् कोटरालयम्
bhakṣyārthaṃ saṃlihānaṃ taṃ bhūmāv ūrdhvamukhaṃ sthitam | śākhāgatam ariṃ cānyam apaśyat koṭarālayam ||
Bhīṣma dit : «En quête de nourriture, il vit une créature étendue à terre, le visage tourné vers le ciel ; et il aperçut aussi un autre ennemi, perché sur une branche, demeurant dans le creux de l’arbre.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights careful observation in situations of need: the pursuit of sustenance or advantage must be tempered by awareness of hidden threats and rival forces, a practical ethical lesson in prudence and self-preservation within dharma.
A seeker of food/prey notices two opposing creatures positioned differently—one on the ground facing upward and another on a branch residing in a tree hollow—setting up a scene of tension and strategy between adversaries.