Shloka 9
Gautama–Śakra Saṃvāda: Karma, Loka-bheda, and the Restoration of the Elephant
इध्मोदकप्रदातारं शून्यपालं ममाश्रमे । विनीतमाचार्यकुले सुयुक्त गुरुकर्मणि
idhmodaka-pradātāraṁ śūnya-pālaṁ mamāśrame | vinītam ācārya-kule suyuktaṁ guru-karmaṇi |
قال بيشما: «‘أيها الملك، إنه يجلب لي الحطب والماء. وإذا خلا محرابي من الناس حرسه. وقد أقام في بيت المعلّم فتعلّم التواضع والانضباط، وهو منخرط على الوجه اللائق في واجبات خدمة الغورو.’»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical value of humble service and disciplined training: one who faithfully performs simple duties (bringing firewood and water), protects what is entrusted to him, and remains properly engaged in guru-service is praised as well-trained and worthy.
Bhishma is describing a devoted attendant/guardian in his hermitage—someone who supplies necessities, guards the ashram when it is empty, and has been trained in the teacher’s household—emphasizing the person’s suitability and disciplined conduct.