Shloka 24
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
तत्र स्नायुमयान् पाशान् यथावत् संविधाय सः । गृहं गत्वा सुखं शेते प्रभातामेति शर्वरीम्
tatra snāyumayān pāśān yathāvat saṁvidhāya saḥ | gṛhaṁ gatvā sukhaṁ śete prabhātām eti śarvarīm ||
तत्र स्नायुमयान् पाशान् यथावत् संविधाय सः । गृहं गत्वा सुखं शेते प्रभातामेति शर्वरीम् ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up an ethical reflection on habitual actions and livelihood: a person can perform harmful deeds methodically and still feel personal comfort, prompting inquiry into dharma—whether ease of conscience aligns with righteous conduct, especially when one’s routine depends on causing harm.
A man (described in the surrounding narrative as a forest-dweller who traps animals) carefully sets sinew-made snares in the forest, returns home to sleep, and comes back at dawn—describing the daily cycle of laying traps at night and checking them in the morning.