Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, Shloka 8
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
प्रज्ञातलक्षणे मित्रे तथैवामित्रतां गते । कथं तु पुरुष: कुर्यात् कृत्वा कि वा सुखी भवेत्
prajñāta-lakṣaṇe mitre tathaivāmitratāṃ gate | kathaṃ tu puruṣaḥ kuryāt kṛtvā kiṃ vā sukhī bhavet ||
玉提施提罗说道：“若有人先前凭明晰的征兆被认作朋友，却又同样地转为仇敌，人当如何与之相处？又当凭何而行，方能心安而得乐？”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a dharma-question: when relationships reverse—when a verified friend becomes hostile—one must choose conduct that is principled rather than reactive, aiming at inner steadiness and ethical clarity rather than mere retaliation.
In Śānti Parva’s instructional setting, Yudhiṣṭhira asks for guidance on right conduct. He raises a practical dilemma about betrayal or changed loyalties: how to behave toward someone once trusted who has become an enemy, and what course preserves one’s peace and happiness.