Shloka 135
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
एवमुक्त: परां शान्तिं माजरिण स मूषिक: । उवाच परमन्त्रज्ञ: श्लक्षणमात्महितं वच:,बिलावकी ऐसी परम शान्तिपूर्ण बातें सुनकर उत्तम मन्त्रणाके ज्ञाता चूहेने मधुर वाणीमें अपने लिये हितकर वचन कहा--
evam uktaḥ parāṃ śāntiṃ mārjāriṇā sa mūṣikaḥ | uvāca paramantrajñaḥ ślakṣṇam ātmahitaṃ vacaḥ ||
Bhīṣma nói: Được mèo cái ngỏ lời bằng những lời lẽ đầy an hòa tối thượng như thế, con chuột—kẻ tinh thông mưu lược—đáp lại bằng giọng dịu dàng, nói ra điều nó cho là có lợi cho sự an thân của chính mình.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when peace-filled advice is offered, one must discern motives and consequences. The verse contrasts outward gentleness (śānti, ślakṣṇa-vacana) with inner calculation (ātma-hita), teaching careful judgment about trust, counsel, and self-preservation within dharma.
After the she-cat speaks soothing, peace-oriented words, the mouse—described as highly skilled in counsel—responds politely and strategically, choosing words that serve his own interest. It sets up a dialogue where apparent harmony may conceal competing aims.