Shloka 6
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
सर्वत्र प्रार्थ्यमानेन दुर्बलेन महाबलै: । एकेनैवासहायेन शक्यं स्थातुं भवेत् कथम्
sarvatra prārthyamānena durbalena mahābalaiḥ | ekenaivāsahāyena śakyaṃ sthātuṃ bhavet katham ||
Sinabi ni Yudhiṣṭhira: “Kapag ang isang mahinang hari ay napaliligiran sa lahat ng panig ng makapangyarihang mga pinuno, na bawat isa’y nag-aangkin at handang agawin ang kaya nilang makuha, paano makatatayo nang matatag ang nag-iisang taong walang sandigan laban sa gayong kalagayan?”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a political-ethical dilemma central to rājadharma: mere personal virtue is not enough for a ruler’s survival when confronted by predatory powers; protection of the weak requires practical supports—alliances, counsel, resources, and just strategy—so that dharma can be upheld in real conditions.
In Śānti Parva’s discussions on governance and duty after the war, Yudhiṣṭhira raises a pointed question: if many powerful kings converge to pressure and dispossess a weaker ruler, how can that solitary, allyless king withstand them? The question sets up instruction on prudent kingship and the means of safeguarding a realm.