Shloka 67
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
भरद्वाज बोले--इस विवेकशून्य ब्राह्मणबन्धुको हमलोगोंकी तरह अपनी स्त्रीके कलंकित होनेका शोक नहीं है। इसीलिये यह कुत्तेके साथ मोटा हो गया है ।।
gautama uvāca | naitasyeha yathāsmākaṃ trikauśeyaṃ ca rāṅkavam | ekaikaṃ vai trivarṣīyaṃ tena pīvāucchunā saha ||
Gautama nói: “Người này không phải sống ở đây như chúng ta—mang thắt lưng ba sợi bện bằng dây cỏ kuśa và khoác da nai, mỗi thứ giữ trọn ba năm. Vì thế, sống chung với con chó ấy, hắn đã trở nên béo tốt và an nhàn.”
गौतम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts disciplined ascetic observance (wearing prescribed ascetic items over fixed periods) with laxity and indulgence. It implies that neglect of dharmic restraints leads to comfort-seeking behavior and moral decline.
Gautama comments critically on a man who does not follow the same austere regimen as the speakers. Because he is not bound by the hardships of ascetic discipline, he lives comfortably—symbolized by ‘growing fat’ while keeping company with a dog.