Shloka 18
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । मार्जारस्य च संवाद न्यग्रोधे मूषिकस्य च
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | mārjārasya ca saṁvādaṁ nyagrodhe mūṣikasya ca ||
Dito rin, binabanggit ng mga pantas ang isang sinaunang salaysay na halimbawa: ang pag-uusap ng pusa at ng daga na may kaugnayan sa punong nyagrodha (balete/banyan). Inihaharap ito upang liwanagin ang aral na tinatalakay.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma signals a moral lesson through an old exemplum: ethical discernment is sharpened by studying illustrative stories, especially those involving apparent friendship, hidden danger, and the need for prudent judgment.
Bhishma introduces an ancient story used by learned people as an example—the conversation between a cat and a mouse associated with a banyan tree—preparing the listener for a didactic episode that will clarify the topic at hand.