Shloka 3
Vyaktāvyakta-Viveka and Nivṛtti as Paramā Gati
Manifest–Unmanifest Discrimination and the Supreme Path of Withdrawal
वश्चिद् ब्राह्मणमासीनमाचार्यमृषिसत्तमम् | तेजोराशिं महात्मानं सत्यसंध॑ जितेन्द्रियम्
kaścid brāhmaṇam āsīnam ācāryam ṛṣisattamam | tejorāśiṁ mahātmānaṁ satyasaṅdhaṁ jitendriyam ||
Bhishma said: Once there was a learned brāhmaṇa seated in a place of honor—an ācārya, the foremost among sages. He appeared like a mass of radiance: a great-souled man, steadfast in truth, and master of his senses. (The narrative sets up an ethical exemplar—one whose authority rests on learning, self-control, and fidelity to truth—before introducing the disciple who approaches him in reverence.)
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse establishes the ethical authority of a teacher: true learning is inseparable from self-mastery (jitendriya) and unwavering commitment to truth (satyasaṅdha). Radiance (tejorāśi) symbolizes inner virtue rather than mere status.
Bhishma begins a didactic story by describing an exemplary brāhmaṇa teacher seated in honor. This introduction prepares for the next event: a devoted disciple will approach and speak, allowing the ensuing instruction to unfold.