Shloka 3
मृदु-तीक्ष्ण-नीति तथा दुष्टलक्षण-विज्ञानम्
Measured Policy and the Recognition of Malicious Disposition
बृहस्पतिं देवपतिरभिवाद्य कृताज्जलि: । उपसंगम्य पप्रच्छ वासव: परवीरहा,एक समयकी बात है, शत्रुवीरोंका संहार करनेवाले देवराज इन्द्रने बृहस्पतिजीके पास जा उन्हें हाथ जोड़कर प्रणाम किया और इस प्रकार पूछा
bṛhaspatiṃ devapatir abhivādya kṛtāñjaliḥ | upasaṅgamya papraccha vāsavaḥ paravīrahā ||
Bhīṣma said: Once, Indra—the lord of the gods and slayer of hostile champions—approached Bṛhaspati. Having bowed to him with joined palms in reverence, Indra drew near and respectfully asked him a question, setting the stage for counsel on right conduct and wise governance.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the most powerful ruler (Indra) approaches a teacher with humility—saluting with joined palms—showing that authority should be guided by learning, restraint, and reverence for wise counsel in matters of dharma and governance.
Bhīṣma narrates an episode where Indra goes to Bṛhaspati, respectfully greets him, and asks a question—introducing a didactic exchange in which the divine preceptor will offer guidance.