Shloka 9
Gautama–Śakra Saṃvāda: Karma, Loka-bheda, and the Restoration of the Elephant
इध्मोदकप्रदातारं शून्यपालं ममाश्रमे । विनीतमाचार्यकुले सुयुक्त गुरुकर्मणि
idhmodaka-pradātāraṁ śūnya-pālaṁ mamāśrame | vinītam ācārya-kule suyuktaṁ guru-karmaṇi |
Bhishma said: “O King, this one brings me firewood and water. When my hermitage is empty, he guards it. Having lived in the teacher’s household, he has learned humility and discipline, and he is properly engaged in the duties of service to the guru.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical value of humble service and disciplined training: one who faithfully performs simple duties (bringing firewood and water), protects what is entrusted to him, and remains properly engaged in guru-service is praised as well-trained and worthy.
Bhishma is describing a devoted attendant/guardian in his hermitage—someone who supplies necessities, guards the ashram when it is empty, and has been trained in the teacher’s household—emphasizing the person’s suitability and disciplined conduct.