Shloka 21
Vyāghra–Gomāyu Saṃvāda (व्याघ्रगोमायु संवाद) — Testing Character Beneath Appearances
गोमायुरुवाच सदृशं मृगराजैतत् तव वाक््यं मदन्तरे । यत् सहायान् मृगयसे धर्मार्थकुशलान् शुचीन्
gomāyur uvāca sadṛśaṃ mṛgarāja etat tava vākyaṃ mad-antare | yat sahāyān mṛgayase dharmārtha-kuśalān śucīn |
Sabi ng asong-gubat: “O hari ng mga hayop, ang sinabi mo para sa akin ay lubos na angkop sa iyo. At ang paghahanap mo ng mga kasama (mga ministro) na dalisay ang asal at bihasa sa dharma at artha ay tunay na nararapat.”
शार्टूल उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s search for advisers should prioritize moral purity (śuci) and competence in both dharma (ethical duty) and artha (practical governance). Worthy counsel is presented as essential to righteous and effective rule.
In an animal-fable style exchange, the jackal addresses the lion, affirming that the lion’s words are appropriate and praising the lion’s intention to seek capable and upright companions/ministers.