Shloka 456
Dambhodbhava, Nara-Nārāyaṇa, and the Counsel to Abandon Hubris
Udyoga-parva 94
वर्तामहे त्वयि च तां त्वं च वर्तस्व नस्तथा | “भारत! गुरुजनोंके प्रति शिष्य एवं पुत्रोंका जो बर्ताव होना चाहिये
vartāmahe tvayi ca tāṃ tvaṃ ca vartasva nastathā |
“O Bhārata, we conduct ourselves toward you in the very manner a disciple and a son ought to show toward elders and teachers. You too should deal with us accordingly, showing the affectionate regard proper to a venerable guru.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes reciprocal dharma in relationships: juniors (disciples/sons) must show proper respect and service to elders/teachers, and elders should respond with appropriate affection and guidance, maintaining harmony through role-appropriate conduct.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations and counsel, the speaker frames an appeal grounded in social and moral order: the speakers claim they have behaved toward the addressed elder as disciples and sons should, and they request that he, in turn, treat them with the benevolence expected of a guru/elder.