Shloka 14
Kubera’s Arrival and the Disclosure of Agastya’s Curse
Vaiśaṃpāyana–Janamejaya Narrative
धर्मस्य राक्षसा मूलं॑ धर्म ते विदुरुत्तमम् । एतत् परीक्ष्य सर्व त्वं समीपे स्थातुमहसि
dharma-sya rākṣasā mūlaṁ dharma te vidur uttamam | etat parīkṣya sarva tvaṁ samīpe sthātum arhasi ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Akar dharma itu halus dan sukar dibezakan—namun orang bijaksana mengetahuinya sebagai kebaikan yang tertinggi. Maka, setelah meneliti perkara ini dari segala segi, engkau patut tetap berada dekat (seraya bertindak dengan pertimbangan yang cermat).”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not always obvious; its foundation can be subtle and formidable to grasp. One should therefore examine situations carefully and stay close to wise guidance before acting.
The narrator Vaiśampāyana offers a reflective counsel: since the basis of dharma is difficult to discern, the listener should investigate the matter thoroughly and remain nearby—ready to learn, verify, and act with prudence.