Shloka 3
देवतापितृप्रश्नः — Nārada at Badarīāśrama: the ultimate referent of daiva and pitṛ worship
भीष्म उवाच प्राकृतेन सुवृत्तेन चरन्तमकुतो भयम् । अध्याप्य कृत्स्नं स्वाध्यायमन्वशाद् वै पिता सुतम्,भीष्मजी कहते हैं--राजन! पुत्र शुकदेवको साधारण लोगोंकी भाँति आचरण करते और सर्वथा निर्भय विचरते देख पिता श्रीव्यासजीने उन्हें सम्पूर्ण वेदोंका अध्ययन कराया और फिर यह उपदेश दिया
bhīṣma uvāca prākṛtena suvṛttena carantam akuto-bhayam | adhyāpya kṛtsnaṁ svādhyāyam anvaśād vai pitā sutam ||
Bhīṣma said: “O King, seeing his son Śukadeva living with simple, natural conduct like ordinary people and roaming about utterly fearless, his father Vyāsa first had him study the entire sacred learning (svādhyāya)—the Vedas in full. Having thus instructed him completely, the father then gave his son further counsel.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical foundation of learning: genuine spiritual education is grounded in good conduct and fearlessness. Vyāsa ensures Śukadeva is fully trained in svādhyāya (sacred study) before giving further instruction, implying that disciplined learning and inner courage prepare one for higher counsel and renunciant wisdom.
Bhīṣma narrates to the king that Vyāsa observed his son Śukadeva living simply and wandering without fear. In response, Vyāsa had him study the complete Vedic curriculum (svādhyāya) and then proceeded to instruct/admonish him further—setting the stage for subsequent teachings.