Shloka 27
Vyāghra–Gomāyu Saṃvāda (व्याघ्रगोमायु संवाद) — Testing Character Beneath Appearances
संश्रयः श्लाघनीयस्त्वमन्येषामपि भास्वताम् | कृतात्मा सुमहाभाग: पापकेष्वप्यदारुण:
saṁśrayaḥ ślāghanīyas tvam anyeṣām api bhāsvatām | kṛtātmā sumahābhāgaḥ pāpakeṣv apy adāruṇaḥ ||
त्वं हि भास्वतामपि अन्येषां श्लाघनीयः संश्रयः। कृतात्मा सुमहाभागः, पापकेष्वपि अदारुणः।
शार्टूल उवाच
Educational Q&A
True excellence is shown not only in power or brilliance but in being a reliable refuge for others, mastering oneself (kṛtātmā), and maintaining gentleness even toward wrongdoers—compassion tempered by inner discipline.
Śārṭūla offers a formal encomium (praise) to the addressed person, highlighting their role as a protective support for others and their ethical character—self-controlled, blessed, and notably non-harsh even when dealing with offenders.