Shloka 196
Adhyāya 118: Saciva-parīkṣā
Testing and Appointment of Ministers/Servants
विज्ञाय स महाप्राज्ञो मुनि: श्वानं तमुक्तवान् | ज्ञाननेत्रोंसे युक्त उन मुनीश्वरने अपनी तपःशक्तिसे शरभके उस मनोभावको जान लिया। जानकर उन महाज्ञानी मुनिने उस कुत्तेसे कहा--
vijñāya sa mahāprājño muniḥ śvānaṃ tam uktavān |
भीष्म उवाच—तद्विज्ञाय स महाप्राज्ञो मुनिः श्वानं तमब्रवीत्। ज्ञानचक्षुषा युक्तः स तपोबलात् शरभस्य तं मनोभावं विदित्वा, विदितार्थः सन् तं श्वानमुवाच॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True discernment (jñāna) is shown not merely by knowing facts but by perceiving inner motives and responding with guidance that steers a being toward dharma; the sage uses insight born of tapas to correct and instruct rather than react blindly.
Bhīṣma narrates that a highly wise sage, having understood the dog’s inner intention, addresses it directly—setting up a moral instruction where spiritual insight reveals hidden mental states and prompts ethical counsel.