Mahabharata — Adi Parva, Shloka 29
Vyāsa’s Arrival at Janamejaya’s Sarpasatra; Commissioning of Vaiśaṃpāyana’s Recital (व्यासागमनम्)
स तत्र वारितो द्वा:स्थै: प्रविशन् द्विजसत्तम: । अभितुष्टाव त॑ यज्ञ प्रवेशार्थी परंतप:
sa tatra vārito dvāḥsthaiḥ praviśan dvijasattamaḥ | abhituṣṭāva taṁ yajña-praveśārthī parantapaḥ ||
Allí, cuando el primero de los brahmanes estaba por entrar, los guardianes de la puerta lo detuvieron. Deseoso de ser admitido en el yajña, Āstīka—quien abrasa a los enemigos interiores como el deseo y la ira—comenzó a alabar aquel sacrificio con palabras reverentes, buscando un acceso legítimo y no por la fuerza.
आस्तीक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one’s purpose is urgent and righteous, dharma favors restraint and proper conduct: Āstīka does not break protocol but uses respectful praise and appropriate speech to seek entry, reflecting self-mastery and adherence to social-ritual order.
At the sacrificial venue, Āstīka approaches to enter but is stopped by the doorkeepers. Wanting access to the ongoing yajña, he begins to extol the sacrifice so that he may be admitted.