Shloka 3
Vyaktāvyakta-Viveka and Nivṛtti as Paramā Gati
Manifest–Unmanifest Discrimination and the Supreme Path of Withdrawal
वश्चिद् ब्राह्मणमासीनमाचार्यमृषिसत्तमम् | तेजोराशिं महात्मानं सत्यसंध॑ जितेन्द्रियम्,किसी समयकी बात है, एक दिद्वान् ब्राह्मण श्रेष्ठ आसनपर विराजमान थे। वे आचार्यकोटिके पण्डित और श्रेष्ठतम महर्षि थे। देखनेमें महान् तेजकी राशि जान पड़ते थे। बड़े महात्मा, सत्यप्रतिज्ञ और जितेन्द्रिय थे। एक दिन उनकी सेवामें कोई परम मेधावी कल्याणकामी एवं समाहितचित्त शिष्य आया (जो चिरकालतक उनकी शुश्रूषा कर चुका था), वह उनके दोनों चरणोंमें प्रणाम करके हाथ जोड़ सामने खड़ा हो इस प्रकार बोला --
kaścid brāhmaṇam āsīnam ācāryam ṛṣisattamam | tejorāśiṁ mahātmānaṁ satyasaṅdhaṁ jitendriyam ||
Bhishma said: Once there was a learned brāhmaṇa seated in a place of honor—an ācārya, the foremost among sages. He appeared like a mass of radiance: a great-souled man, steadfast in truth, and master of his senses. (The narrative sets up an ethical exemplar—one whose authority rests on learning, self-control, and fidelity to truth—before introducing the disciple who approaches him in reverence.)
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse establishes the ethical authority of a teacher: true learning is inseparable from self-mastery (jitendriya) and unwavering commitment to truth (satyasaṅdha). Radiance (tejorāśi) symbolizes inner virtue rather than mere status.
Bhishma begins a didactic story by describing an exemplary brāhmaṇa teacher seated in honor. This introduction prepares for the next event: a devoted disciple will approach and speak, allowing the ensuing instruction to unfold.