Shloka 57
Vyāghra–Gomāyu Saṃvāda (व्याघ्रगोमायु संवाद) — Testing Character Beneath Appearances
शार्टूलस्य वच:ः श्रुत्वा शार्ट्लजननी ततः
śārṭūlasya vacaḥ śrutvā śārṭlajananī tataḥ
Bhishma said: Having heard Śārṭūla’s words, then Śārṭūla’s mother responded—marking the moment when counsel received within the family becomes the basis for the next ethical choice and action.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds śravaṇa (attentive listening) as a prerequisite for dharmic response: ethical action is shown as arising after hearing and weighing counsel, especially within intimate bonds like parent and child.
Bhīṣma narrates a transition: Śārṭūla has spoken, his mother hears his words, and the story moves to her reply—setting up the next decision or instruction that will carry the moral point forward.