Āloka-dāna (Dīpa-dāna), Sumanas–Dhūpa–Dīpa Phala: Manu–Suvarṇa and Śukra–Bali Exempla
तत्र तौ कथयन्तौ स्तां कथा नानाविधाश्रया: । ब्रद्मर्षिदेवदैत्यानां पुराणानां महात्मनाम्
tatra tau kathayantau stāṃ kathā nānāvidhāśrayāḥ | brahmarṣidevadaityānāṃ purāṇānāṃ mahātmanām ||
There, the two of them remained engaged in conversation, recounting many kinds of tales drawn from diverse sources—stories concerning Brahmarṣis, gods, Daityas, and the great souls of ancient times. The scene emphasizes the traditional mode of transmitting dharma through remembered sacred history and exemplary lives.
भीष्म उवाच
Dharma is often conveyed through remembered tradition: by recounting ancient narratives about sages, gods, and exemplary beings, one learns ethical principles indirectly through models of conduct, consequences of actions, and time-tested wisdom.
Two individuals are depicted as staying together in conversation, exchanging varied stories rooted in ancient lore—accounts connected with Brahmarṣis, devas, Daityas, and venerable great souls—setting a reflective, instructive tone within Bhīṣma’s discourse.