Shloka 185
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
लोमश उवाच सत्यं शपे त्वयाहं वै मित्रद्रोहो विगर्हित: | तन्मन्ये5हं तव प्रज्ञां यस्त्वं मम हिते रत:
lomaśa uvāca satyaṃ śape tvayāhaṃ vai mitradroho vigarhitaḥ | tan manye 'haṃ tava prajñāṃ yas tvaṃ mama hite rataḥ ||
लोमश बोला—भाई! मैं सत्य की शपथ खाकर कहता हूँ, मित्र से द्रोह करना निंदनीय है। तुम जो सदा मेरे हित में तत्पर रहते हो, इसे मैं तुम्हारी उत्तम बुद्धि का लक्षण मानता हूँ।
लोमश उवाच
Educational Q&A
Friend-betrayal (mitradroha) is ethically reprehensible, while steadfast concern for another’s welfare is presented as a sign of true discernment (prajñā) and right conduct.
Lomaśa addresses someone who is acting for his benefit. He solemnly affirms—by an oath—that betraying a friend is shameful, and he interprets the listener’s continued goodwill toward him as evidence of the listener’s sound judgment.