Shloka 11
Adhyāya 287 — Janaka’s Inquiry on Śreyas, Abhayadāna, and Asaṅga
Non-attachment
एतस्मात् कारणाच्छेय: कलिलं प्रतिभाति मे । ब्रवीतु भगवांस्तन्मे उपसन्नोडस्म्यधीहि भो:,“इस कारणसे मुझे श्रेयका स्वरूप संशयाच्छन्न जान पड़ता है। भगवान्! अब आप ही मुझे उसका उपदेश दें। मैं आपकी शरणमें आया हूँ, आप मुझ शिष्यको श्रेयोमार्गका बोध करायें!
etasmāt kāraṇāc chreyaḥ kalilaṁ pratibhāti me | bravītu bhagavāṁs tan me upasanno 'smy adhīhi bhoḥ ||
Bhishma said: “For this reason, the true nature of what is best (śreyas) appears to me as obscured by doubt and confusion. Therefore, O Blessed One, please tell me that teaching. I have come to you for refuge—kindly instruct me, O venerable sir, and make me understand the path that leads to the highest good.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames śreyas—the highest good—as difficult to discern when the mind is clouded by confusion. It emphasizes the need for guidance from a qualified teacher and the humility of approaching as a disciple to learn the true path of welfare and liberation.
In the Shanti Parva’s instructional setting, Bhishma addresses a revered authority as a seeker. He admits uncertainty about the nature of śreyas and formally requests direct instruction, presenting himself as one who has taken refuge and seeks clear guidance on the path to the highest good.