Shloka 22
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Precedent and Bhīṣma’s Counsel on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna; Karṇa’s Reply
तस्मात् कर्मव कर्तव्यमिति होवाच नारद: । एतद्धि सर्वमाचष्ट वृष्णिचक्रस्य वेदवित्
tasmāt karmava kartavyam iti hovāca nāradaḥ | etaddhi sarvam ācāṣṭa vṛṣṇicakrasya vedavit ||
Therefore, Nārada declared, ‘Action must indeed be performed.’ The knower of the Vṛṣṇi lineage thus set forth this entire teaching, presenting it as the guiding principle for right conduct.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes niyatakarma—one should not abandon action; duty must be performed. Nārada frames ethical life as grounded in responsible action rather than withdrawal.
Vaiśampāyana reports Nārada’s statement and notes that a Veda-knowing authority connected with the Vṛṣṇi lineage has explained the matter fully, presenting a counsel on proper conduct.