Shloka 2
Jvarotpatti — The Origin and Distribution of Jvara
Fever
आसीने देवल वृद्ध बुद्ध्वा बुद्धिमतां वरम् । नारद: परिपप्रच्छ भूतानां प्रभवाप्पययम्
āsīne devale vṛddhe buddhvā buddhimatāṁ varam | nāradaḥ paripapraccha bhūtānāṁ prabhavāpyayam ||
Bhishma sprach: Einst erkannte Nārada den betagten Weisen Asita Devala, der auf seinem Sitz verweilte, und wissend, dass er der Vornehmste unter den Verständigen war, befragte er ihn ehrerbietig nach Ursprung und Auflösung aller Wesen.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic method of learning: approach a truly wise elder with respect and ask fundamental questions that clarify reality—here, the cycle of origin and dissolution that underlies ethical perspective and detachment.
Narada finds the aged sage Asita Devala seated and, recognizing his superior wisdom, questions him about how all beings arise and how they ultimately dissolve.