Shloka 2
दमयन्ती-शपथः वायोः साक्ष्यं च
Damayantī’s Oath and Vāyu’s Testimony
गच्छ केशिनि भूयस्त्वं परीक्षां कुरु बाहुके । अब्रुवाणा समीपस्था चरितान्यस्य लक्षय,“केशिनि! फिर जाओ और बाहुककी परीक्षा करो। अबकी बार तुम कुछ बोलना मत। निकट रहकर उसके चरित्रोंपर दृष्टि रखना
gaccha keśini bhūyas tvaṁ parīkṣāṁ kuru bāhuke | abruvāṇā samīpasthā caritāny asya lakṣaya ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “Go again, Keśinī, and put Bāhuka to the test. This time, do not speak. Stay close by and carefully observe his conduct.” The counsel emphasizes discreet scrutiny—judging character through actions rather than words—before placing trust or making decisions.
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
Trust and judgment should be grounded in observed conduct (carita) rather than persuasive speech. The instruction to remain silent underscores careful, unbiased discernment—an ethical approach to evaluating a person’s character.
Bṛhadaśva instructs Keśinī to return and test Bāhuka again. She is told not to speak, but to stay nearby and watch his behavior closely, indicating a deliberate investigation of his true nature through actions.