Shloka 133
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
अमात्यो मे भव प्राज्ञ पितेवेह प्रशाधि माम् । न ते5स्ति भयमस्मत्तो जीवितेनात्मन: शपे
amātyo me bhava prājña piteveha praśādhi mām | na te 'sti bhayam asmatto jīvitena ātmanaḥ śape ||
ஓ ஞானவானே! நீ என் அமைச்சனாக இரு; தந்தைபோல் இங்கே எனக்குக் கடமையை அறிவுறுத்தி வழிநடத்து. என் உயிர்மீது சத்தியமாகச் சொல்கிறேன்—என்னிடமிருந்தும் (எங்கள் பக்கத்திலிருந்தும்) உனக்கு எந்த அச்சமும் இல்லை.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler (or elder) should actively seek wise counsel, accept correction as from a father, and create safety for truthful speech—assuring the advisor that there is no fear in speaking dharma.
Bhishma addresses a wise person, inviting him to become his minister and to instruct him on proper duty; to encourage frank guidance, Bhishma swears on his own life that the advisor will face no danger from Bhishma’s side.