Shloka 11
Śara-śayyā-sthita-bhīṣma-saṃvāda-prastāvaḥ
The Prelude to Questioning Bhīṣma on the Bed of Arrows
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्ते नारदेन भीष्ममीयुर्नराधिपा: । प्रष्टं चाशक्नुवन्तस्ते वीक्षांचक्रु: परस्परम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca evam ukte nāradena bhīṣmam īyur narādhipāḥ | praṣṭuṃ ca aśaknuvantas te vīkṣāṃ cakruḥ parasparam |
Vaiśampāyana said: When Nārada had spoken thus, the kings approached Bhīṣma. Yet they could not bring themselves to question him; instead, they looked at one another, each waiting for another to speak first—revealing their hesitation before a revered elder and the gravity of the dharma they sought to understand.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical posture required for receiving dharma-instruction: humility and reverence. Even powerful kings feel the weight of approaching a venerable authority like Bhīṣma, and their hesitation underscores that questions about dharma are serious and demand inner readiness, not mere curiosity.
After Nārada’s statement, the assembled kings come near Bhīṣma intending to inquire. However, none dares to begin; they exchange glances, each expecting another to ask first, setting the stage for Bhīṣma’s forthcoming instruction.