Shloka 10
Adhyāya 270 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s inquiry on saṃnyāsa; Bhīṣma on calculable time, tamas, and karma
Vṛtra–Uśanā exemplum begins
ततस्त्वल्पेन कालेन तुष्टो जलधरस्तदा । तस्योपकारनियतामिमां वाचमुवाच ह,इससे वह मेघ थोड़े ही समयमें संतुष्ट हो गया और उसने ब्राह्मणके उपकारमें नियमपूर्वक प्रवृत्ति सूचित करनेवाली यह बात कही--
tatastv alpena kālena tuṣṭo jaladharas tadā | tasyopakāra-niyatām imāṁ vācam uvāca ha ||
Then, after only a short time, the rain-cloud became pleased. Intending to act with disciplined gratitude for the Brahmin’s kindness, it spoke these words—signaling its resolve to repay the benefit received.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṛtajñatā (gratitude): one should consciously and in a disciplined way repay help received, treating benefaction as a moral obligation rather than a casual sentiment.
Bhīṣma narrates that a rain-cloud, quickly pleased, prepares to speak—announcing its intention to act in accordance with gratitude for a Brahmin’s assistance, setting up the cloud’s forthcoming promise or response.