Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
तथापि पृच्छतो ब्रूयां ब्रह्मन्नात्मनि चिन्तितम् । भवतो विदुषश्चापि चोदितस्त्वदनुज्ञया ॥ २४ ॥
tathāpi pṛcchato brūyāṁ brahmann ātmani cintitam bhavato viduṣaś cāpi coditas tvad-anujñayā
Oh brāhmaṇa venerable, aunque tú lo sabes todo, me preguntas por qué estoy lleno de inquietud. Por ello, obedeciendo tu mandato y con tu permiso, revelaré la causa guardada en mi corazón.
This verse highlights that sincere questioning draws out realized knowledge; even when the listener is learned, inquiry invites a deeper, heart-reflected teaching.
In the dialogue framework of the Bhagavatam, Śukadeva speaks in response to Parīkṣit’s questions, emphasizing respectful permission and the value of prompting spiritual discourse.
Approach spiritual learning with humility: ask clear questions, seek consent and guidance from qualified teachers, and value teachings that come from inner realization, not just information.