Shloka 7
जानन्तो विषमं कुर्युरस्मास्वत्यन्तवैरिण: । युक्तचाराश्न युक्ताश्न पौरस्प स््वजनस्य च
jānanto viṣamaṃ kuryur asmāsv atyantavairiṇaḥ | yuktacārāś ca yuktāś ca paurasya svajanasya ca ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : «Si nos ennemis irréconciliables venaient à connaître notre retraite, ils agiraient cruellement contre nous—et feraient aussi du tort aux gens de la cité comme à nos propres parents. Ils ont des agents et des espions en place ; ainsi, si notre demeure était découverte, ceux qui nous sont liés pourraient en souffrir. C’est pourquoi nous voulons demeurer cachés et nous sollicitons votre permission.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in conflict, one must act with restraint and foresight so that one’s struggle does not bring collateral harm upon innocents—such as townspeople and relatives. Concealment here is presented as an ethical precaution (nīti aligned with dharma), not mere fear.
The speaker explains the danger posed by hostile rivals who employ spies. If the protagonists’ whereabouts are discovered, the enemies may retaliate not only against them but also against those socially connected to them (citizens and kin). Hence they request permission to remain hidden.