Shloka 9
बक-गौतमाख्यानम् / The Baka–Gautama Account
On Gratitude and Friendship Ethics
उवाच स तु धर्मज्ञो धरनुर्वेदस्य पारग: । शरतल्पगतो भीष्मो नकुलाय महात्मने
vaiśampāyana uvāca | uvāca sa tu dharmajño dhanuḥvedasya pāragāḥ | śaratālpagato bhīṣmo nakulāya mahātmane ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Bhīṣma—knower of dharma, a master who had crossed to the far shore of the science of archery, lying upon the bed of arrows—began to speak in reply to the noble Nakula. The scene frames instruction as an ethical transmission: even amid the aftermath of war and suffering, the elder upholds disciplined teaching and responds to a worthy disciple with measured, refined speech.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets the ethical frame for instruction: true mastery (of dharma and martial science) expresses itself as disciplined, respectful teaching, even in suffering. Bhīṣma’s authority rests not only on skill in archery but on moral discernment, making his reply a model of responsible guidance.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Bhīṣma, lying on the arrow-bed, begins answering Nakula. It introduces Bhīṣma’s forthcoming response and highlights his qualifications—dharma-knowledge and complete command of dhanuḥ-veda—while positioning Nakula as a worthy recipient.