Shloka 11
Sandhi–Vigraha in Āpada: The Mouse and the Cat (सन्धिविग्रहापदि—मूषकमार्जारसंवादः)
दस्यव ऊचु: मुहूर्तदेशकालज्ञ: प्राज्ञ: शूरो दृढब्रतः । ग्रामणीर्भव नो मुख्य: सर्वेषामेव सम्मत:,डाकू बोले--तुम देश, काल और मुहूर्तके ज्ञाता, विद्वान, शूरवीर और दृढ़प्रतिज्ञ हो; इसलिये हम सब लोगोंकी सम्मतिसे तुम हमारे सरदार हो जाओ
dasyava ūcuḥ: muhūrtadeśakālajñaḥ prājñaḥ śūro dṛḍhavrataḥ | grāmaṇīr bhava no mukhyaḥ sarveṣām eva sammataḥ ||
盗賊たちは言った。「あなたは時と地の利、そして好機を知る。賢く、勇猛で、誓いに堅い。ゆえに我ら一同の同意のもと、我らの長となり、皆が認める首領となってください。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a morally compromised group recognizes the practical virtues required for leadership—discernment of time and place, wisdom, courage, and steadfastness. The verse highlights that effective leadership is grounded in competence and collective consent, though the ethical use of such qualities remains decisive for dharma.
A group of bandits addresses a capable person and, impressed by his strategic judgment and personal qualities, urges him—by unanimous agreement—to become their chief and principal leader.