Shloka 10
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
अहंकारो न कर्तव्यो याज्ये तस्मिन् नराधिपे । स्थातव्यं च वशे तस्य स ते छेत्स्यति संशयम्
ahaṅkāro na kartavyo yājye tasmin narādhipe | sthātavyaṃ ca vaśe tasya sa te chetsyati saṃśayam ||
Bhishma said: “Do not display pride toward that king who is your patron of the sacrifice. Remain wholly under his authority and follow his command; he will, without doubt, cut through your uncertainty and resolve your questions.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches humility and disciplined obedience in a hierarchical ethical setting: one should not let ego arise toward a benefactor or patron (especially a king who is the yajamāna). By submitting to rightful authority and proper conduct, one becomes fit to receive instruction and have doubts resolved.
Bhishma is giving counsel about how to approach and serve a king who is acting as the sacrificial patron. He instructs the addressee to avoid arrogance, remain under the king’s direction, and trust that the king will clarify uncertainties—framing the king as a source of guidance and resolution.