Shloka 22
The Glory of Truthful Oaths and Keeping One’s Promise
Satya & Pratijñā
यदिच्छा ते भवेद्विप्र दास्यामि विधिपूर्वकम् । नय मे दक्षिणं हस्तं दास्यामि चान्यथा नहि
yadicchā te bhavedvipra dāsyāmi vidhipūrvakam | naya me dakṣiṇaṃ hastaṃ dāsyāmi cānyathā nahi
यदि तेच्छा भवेद्विप्र, विधिपूर्वकमेव दास्यामि। नय मे दक्षिणं हस्तं; दास्यामि नान्यथा कदाचन॥
Unspecified (context required to identify the exact speaker within the dialogue)
Concept: Dharma requires vidhi (proper procedure) and niyama (clear constraints); gifts must be given in the right way, not merely intended.
Application: Make commitments with both sincerity and correct process—ethical means matter as much as ends; set clear boundaries to prevent adharma.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The king extends his right hand in a solemn pledge, palm open, while the brāhmaṇa stands poised to accept the gesture as a sign of lawful giving. Ritual items—water pot, kusa grass, and a small fire—anchor the moment as a sacred contract rather than a casual promise.","primary_figures":["Vīra-vikramaḥ (king)","brāhmaṇa"],"setting":"Courtyard beside a prepared vedi; attendants hold garlands and a kalasha; a doorway hints at the maiden’s presence off-scene.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["ghee-gold","lotus pink","copper","cream white","indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close-focus on the king’s extended right hand and the brāhmaṇa’s accepting gesture, with gold leaf highlighting the hands and ritual vessels; ornate textiles, rich reds/greens, symmetrical composition, subtle Vishnu symbols (śaṅkha-cakra) in the arch to imply dharma’s divine witness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined hand gestures and expressive eyes; delicate rendering of ritual objects, soft shadows, patterned shawls; a quiet courtyard with flowering vines, emphasizing ‘vidhi-pūrvaka’ restraint and elegance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines emphasizing the right-hand pledge; stylized kalasha and agni; warm red/yellow/green palette with rhythmic border motifs of lotus and conch.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central gesture of offering framed by lotus borders; deep blue ground with gold highlights; peacocks and floral vines; small śaṅkha-cakra motifs as auspicious witnesses to the vow."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["single conch note (soft)","fire crackle","water being poured","bracelet clink","attentive silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यदिच्छा = यदि + इच्छा; भवेद्विप्र = भवेत् + विप्र; चान्यथा = च + अन्यथा
FAQs
It stresses that giving (dāna or a formal grant) should be done vidhi-pūrvakam—according to prescribed procedure—rather than informally or contrary to rule.
The right hand (dakṣiṇa-hasta) is conventionally associated with auspicious, lawful transfer—often used as a sign of formal consent and ritualized giving in dharma and saṃskāra contexts.
It teaches integrity in commitments: one should give only with proper consent and in a lawful, transparent manner, not through irregular or coercive means.