Shloka 16
दधीच्यास्थिवज्रनिर्माणोपाख्यानम् | The Forging of the Vajra from Dadhīca’s Bones
लोगश उवाच तत आयदब्ययौ पूर्ण तेषां राजा न्यवेदयत् । एतज्ज्ञात्वा ह्ुपादध्वं यदत्र व्यतिरिच्यते,लोमशजी कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! तब राजाने उन्हें अपने आय-व्ययका पूरा विवरण दे दिया और कहा--'इसे समझकर जो धन शेष बचता हो, वह आपलोग ले लें।' समबुद्धिवाले महर्षि अगस्त्यने वहाँ भी आय-व्ययका लेखा बराबर देखकर यही माना कि इसमेंसे धन लिया जाय तो दूसरे प्राणियोंको सर्वथा कष्ट हो सकता है
Lomaśa uvāca: tata āyavyayau pūrṇaṁ teṣāṁ rājā nyavedayat | etaj jñātvā hy upādadhvaṁ yad atra vyatiricyate ||
Lomaśa said: “Then the king presented them with a complete account of his income and expenditure, and said, ‘Having understood this, take whatever remains here as surplus.’” The passage underscores an ethical caution: even when a remainder exists on paper, taking it without discernment may still cause hardship to other living beings who depend upon those resources.
लोगश उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when something appears to be ‘surplus’ after accounting, dharma requires considering hidden dependencies and potential harm; one should not take resources if it may cause suffering to others.
A king provides a full financial account (income and expenses) and invites the visitors to take whatever remains; the ethical point highlighted in the tradition is that the wise scrutinize such ‘remainders’ carefully, mindful that taking them may still burden other beings.