Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
छायाभूताय दान्ताय यतते ब्रह्मचारिणे । तान् प्रश्नानब्रवीत् पार्थ मेधावी स धृतव्रत: । गुरु: कुरुकुलश्रेष्ठ सम्यक् सर्वानरिंदम
chāyābhūtāya dāntāya yatate brahmacāriṇe | tān praśnān abravīt pārtha medhāvī sa dhṛtavrataḥ ||
হে পাৰ্থ! ছাঁয়াৰ দৰে ওচৰত থাকি সেৱা কৰা, দমিত, সংযমী আৰু ব্ৰহ্মচৰ্যত যত্নশীল সেই শিষ্যৰ প্ৰশ্নসমূহৰ উত্তৰত মেধাৱী আৰু দৃঢ়ব্ৰত গুৰুৱে—হে কুৰুকুলশ্ৰেষ্ঠ, অরিন্দম—সকলোৰে সম্যক উত্তৰ দিলে।
वायुदेव उवाच
True learning in the Mahābhārata is grounded in character: the student approaches the teacher with surrender, restraint, and steady service, and asks questions appropriately; in response, a vow-steady, discerning guru gives clear and accurate instruction. The verse highlights that ethical discipline and humility are prerequisites for receiving knowledge.
Vāyudeva addresses Arjuna and describes a model disciple—calm, self-controlled, brahmacārī, and constantly serving the guru like a shadow—who asks proper questions. The teacher, described as wise and firm in vows, then answers all those questions correctly.