Shloka 2
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । पुरूरवस ऐलस्य संवादं मातरिश्वन:,इस विषयमें विद्वान्ू लोग इला कुमार पुरूरवा तथा वायुके संवादरूप प्राचीन इतिहासका उदाहरण दिया करते हैं
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṃ purātanam | purūravas ailasya saṃvādaṃ mātariśvanaḥ ||
Here too, the learned cite an ancient example from old tradition: the dialogue between Purūravas, son of Ilā, and Mātariśvan (Vāyu). By recalling this venerable account, Bhīṣma indicates that the ethical point at hand rests on authoritative precedent and reflective counsel, not on mere opinion.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma emphasizes that dharma is clarified through time-tested precedents: when a moral issue is subtle, one should consult authoritative tradition (itihāsa) and the counsel of the wise, not impulse or isolated reasoning.
Bhīṣma introduces an illustrative ancient story, specifically a dialogue between King Purūravas (son of Ilā) and Mātariśvan (Vāyu), indicating that the forthcoming teaching will be framed through their conversation.