Shloka 28
Adhyāya 152 — Bhīṣma’s Authorization for Yudhiṣṭhira’s Return to the Capital (नगरप्रवेशानुज्ञा)
प्रभवन् पृच्छते यो हि सम्मानयति वा पुन: । नूनं जनमदुष्टात्मा पण्डिताख्यां स गच्छति
prabhavan pṛcchate yo hi sammānayati vā punaḥ | nūnaṃ janam aduṣṭātmā paṇḍitākhyāṃ sa gacchati ||
Maheshvara said: “Whoever, being capable or eminent, still asks questions humbly, or again shows respect to others—such a person is surely not of a wicked disposition. He attains the repute and standing of a learned man.”
श्रीमहेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
True learning is marked by humility and respect: even the capable person who still inquires and honors others is of pure disposition and gains the recognized status of a paṇḍita (learned person).
In Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-focused discourse, Maheśvara states a criterion for genuine wisdom: the virtuous character shown through respectful conduct and willingness to ask questions.