Shloka 26
Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
तेनापि समनुज्ञातो भार्गवेण महात्मना | श्रेयोडस्तीति पुनर्भूय: शुक्रमाह शतक्रतु:,महात्मा भार्गवने जब उन्हें उपदेश दे दिया, तब इन्द्रने पुनः शुक्राचार्यसे पूछा--'क्या इससे भी विशेष श्रेय है"?
tenāpi samanujñāto bhārgaveṇa mahātmanā | śreyo 'sti iti punar bhūyaḥ śukram āha śatakratuḥ ||
Having been granted permission (and duly instructed) by the great-souled Bhārgava, Indra—he of a hundred sacrifices—again addressed Śukra and asked: “Is there something even higher, something more truly beneficial than this?” The moment underscores Indra’s continued moral inquiry: even after receiving guidance, he seeks the supreme good (śreyas) rather than settling for a merely adequate instruction.
घतयाट्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the pursuit of śreyas—the highest, most enduring good. Even after receiving instruction, a sincere seeker continues to ask whether there is a still higher ethical and spiritual good, indicating humility and commitment to deeper dharma.
After being permitted and instructed by the great Bhārgava (Śukra), Indra speaks again to Śukra and asks whether there exists something superior—an even greater form of welfare or right course—showing an ongoing dialogue aimed at refining understanding of the best path.