Shloka 4
जनक–ब्राह्मणसंवादः
Viṣaya, Mamatva, and Self-Mastery
सोअन्यस्य विषये राज्ञो वस्तुमिच्छाम्यहं विभो | वचस्ते कर्तुमिच्छामि यथाशास्त्रं महीपते,'सामर्थ्यशाली नरेश! इस बातको जानकर मैं दूसरे राजाके राज्यमें निवास करना चाहता हूँ और शास्त्रके अनुसार आपकी आज्ञाका पालन करना चाहता हूँ
so 'nyasya viṣaye rājño vastum icchāmy ahaṃ vibho | vacas te kartum icchāmi yathāśāstraṃ mahīpate ||
The brāhmaṇa said: “O mighty lord, having understood this, I wish to dwell in the realm of another king. Yet, O protector of the earth, I also wish to carry out your command in accordance with the śāstras.”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic discernment: even when choosing to leave a ruler’s domain, one should act in a way consistent with śāstra and with due regard for legitimate authority—balancing personal decision with lawful, ethical compliance.
A brāhmaṇa addresses a king respectfully, stating his intention to reside in another king’s territory, while also affirming that he wishes to fulfill the king’s instruction in a manner sanctioned by the śāstras.