Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, 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 ||
于此亦然，博学之士援引一则古老譬喻：与尼伽罗陀（榕树、菩提榕）相关的猫与鼠之对话。此故事用以阐明当下所论之义理。
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.