Shloka 2
बहुधा दर्शने लोके श्रेयो यदिह मन्यसे । अस्मिल्लोके परे चैव तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह,पितामह! जगतमें श्रेयका प्रतिपादन करनेवाले अनेक प्रकारके दर्शन (मत) हैं; परंतु आप जिसे श्रेय मानते हों, जो इस लोक और परलोकमें भी कल्याण करनेवाला हो, उसे मुझे बताइये
bahudhā darśane loke śreyo yad iha manyase | asmin loke pare caiva tan me brūhi pitāmaha pitāmaha ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “In this world there are many philosophical viewpoints that claim to define what is truly beneficial. Tell me, O Grandfather, which path you yourself regard as the highest good—one that brings welfare both here in this life and also in the life to come.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a classic dharma inquiry: amid many competing philosophies, one should seek the path of śreyas—true, lasting welfare—validated not only by worldly benefit but also by its consequences beyond this life. It sets the standard that ethical guidance must be holistic, addressing both immediate life and ultimate destiny.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction setting, Yudhiṣṭhira respectfully questions Bhīṣma (addressed as Pitāmaha), acknowledging the diversity of doctrines in the world and requesting Bhīṣma’s authoritative guidance on what constitutes the highest good for both this world and the next.