Shloka 11
Saṃsāra-Gahana Allegory: The Brāhmaṇa in the Forest and Well (संसारगहन-आख्यान)
वल्लीभिस्तृणछन्नाभिददढाभिरभिसंवृत: । उस वनके भीतर एक कुआँ था, जो घासोंसे ढकी हुई सुदृढ़ लताओंके द्वारा सब ओरसे आच्छादित हो गया था ।। पपात स द्विजस्तत्र निगूढठे सलिलाशये
vallībhis tṛṇacchannābhir dṛḍhābhir abhisamvṛtaḥ | papāta sa dvijas tatra nigūḍhe salilāśaye ||
Vidura said: Within that forest there was a well, hidden from view—covered over on all sides by firm creepers and concealed beneath grass. Into that concealed reservoir of water the brāhmaṇa fell. The image underscores how unseen dangers, masked by outward appearances, can suddenly ensnare the unwary, urging vigilance and discernment in conduct.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Appearances can conceal danger; one should act with discernment (viveka) and vigilance, not being misled by what seems safe or ordinary.
Vidura describes a forest well covered by grass and strong creepers; a brāhmaṇa unknowingly falls into this hidden water-pit, illustrating sudden entrapment by unseen hazards.