Shloka 9
Ruru’s Lament and the Lifespan Exchange for Pramadvarā (रुरु–प्रमद्वरा आयुर्विभागः)
उपायश्षात्र विहित:ः पूर्व देवैर्महात्मभि: । त॑ यदीच्छसि कर्तु त्वं प्राप्स्यसीह प्रमद्धराम्,इस विषयमें महात्मा देवताओंने एक उपाय निश्चित किया है। यदि तुम उसे करना चाहो तो इस लोकमें प्रमद्धवराको पा सकोगे इति श्रीमहाभारते आदिपर्वणि पौलोमपर्वणि प्रमद्वराजीवने नवमो5ध्याय:
upāyaś cātra vihitaḥ pūrvaṃ devair mahātmabhiḥ | taṃ yad icchasi kartuṃ tvaṃ prāpsyasīha pramaddharām ||
El mensajero divino dijo: «En este asunto, los dioses magnánimos de antaño ya han establecido un medio. Si deseas llevarlo a cabo, obtendrás a Pramaddharā en este mismo mundo.»
देवदूत उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when the goal is intensely desired, it should be pursued only through a proper, sanctioned method (upāya). The verse emphasizes ethical means over impulsive or coercive action, grounding success in adherence to an established, higher order.
A divine messenger addresses the listener and points out that the gods have already determined a specific method to achieve the desired outcome—namely, obtaining Pramaddharā. The messenger invites the listener to choose to perform that method, promising success in this world if it is followed.