Shloka 18
सनत्कुमार उवाच साधु पृष्टं महाराज सर्वभूतहितात्मना । भवता विदुषा चापि साधूनां मतिरीदृशी ॥ १८ ॥
sanat-kumāra uvāca sādhu pṛṣṭaṁ mahārāja sarva-bhūta-hitātmanā bhavatā viduṣā cāpi sādhūnāṁ matir īdṛśī
Sanat-kumāra said: O great King, you have inquired most excellently. Because your heart seeks the welfare of all beings, this question is auspicious for everyone. Though you are learned and know, you ask in this way, for such is the conduct of saintly persons; such intelligence befits your station.
Mahārāja Pṛthu was well conversant in transcendental science, yet he presented himself before the Kumāras as one ignorant of it. The idea is that even if a person is very exalted and knows everything, before his superior he should present questions. For instance, although Arjuna knew all the transcendental science, he questioned Kṛṣṇa as if he did not know. Similarly, Pṛthu Mahārāja knew everything, but he presented himself before the Kumāras as if he did not know anything. The idea is that questions by exalted persons put before the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His devotees are meant for the benefit of the general people. Therefore sometimes great personalities put themselves in that position and inquire from a higher authority because they are always thinking of the benefit of others.
FAQs
This verse praises a leader who is learned and whose heart is dedicated to the welfare of all living beings—such a person naturally thinks like saintly devotees.
Because Pṛthu’s inquiry was not selfish; it arose from compassion for all beings and genuine wisdom, which reflects the mentality of sādhus.
Make decisions—at home, work, and community—that reduce harm, increase compassion, and support others’ spiritual and material well-being, guided by scriptural learning.