Shloka 2
मोक्षोपाय-निर्णयः
Determination of the Means to Liberation
भीष्म उवाच अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । द्युमत्सेनस्य संवाद राज्ञा सत्यवता सह,भीष्मजीने कहा--युधिष्ठिर! इस विषयमें राजा सत्यवानके साथ उनके पिता द्युमत्सेनका जो संवाद हुआ था, उसी प्राचीन इतिहासका उदाहरण दिया जाता है
bhīṣma uvāca | atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | dyumatsenasya saṁvādaṁ rājñā satyavatā saha ||
Bhishma said: “Here too, an ancient precedent is cited—an old historical account: the dialogue of Dyumatsena with King Satyavat. By recalling that exchange, the matter at hand is illuminated through a time-tested example of dharma and right conduct.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma frames his instruction through an authoritative precedent: ethical questions are clarified by recalling ancient exemplars (itihāsa), where dharma is tested and articulated in dialogue.
Bhishma introduces an old story as an illustrative example, specifically pointing to a conversation between Dyumatsena and King Satyavat, which will be used to guide Yudhishthira’s understanding of the topic under discussion.