Shloka 37
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
तमन्वगच्छतां तौ च क्षुधितौ श्रमकर्शितौ । भार्यापती मुनिश्रेष्ठस्तावेती नावलोकयत्
tam anvagacchatāṃ tau ca kṣudhitau śramakarśitau | bhāryāpatī muniśreṣṭhas tāv etī nāvalokayat ||
ومع أن الملك والملكة كانا يتعذّبان من الجوع ويُنهكان من التعب، فقد ظلا يتبعان الحكيم عن كثب. غير أن ذلك المونيَّ الأسمى لم يرفع عينيه حتى لينظر إلى الزوجين.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores ascetic detachment and the testing of seekers: a great sage may remain outwardly indifferent, compelling those who approach him to cultivate humility, patience, and endurance rather than expecting immediate acknowledgment or comfort.
A husband and wife—identified in context as a royal couple—follow behind a foremost sage despite hunger and exhaustion. The sage, however, does not even look back at them, indicating his strict austerity and emotional restraint.