Shloka 21
Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
ततो बृहस्पति शक्र: प्राउजलि: समुपस्थित: । तमुवाच महाप्राज्ञ: श्रेय इच्छामि वेदितुम्
tato bṛhaspatiṃ śakraḥ prāñjaliḥ samupasthitaḥ | tam uvāca mahāprājñaḥ śreya icchāmi veditum ||
Entonces Śakra (Indra), con las manos juntas en reverencia, se acercó a Bṛhaspati. Y le dijo: «Venerable señor, deseo saber qué es en verdad lo más provechoso para mi bien supremo.»
घतयाट्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the powerful must seek guidance with humility; true wisdom begins by asking for śreyas—what leads to lasting welfare and righteousness—rather than merely pursuing immediate advantage.
Indra (Śakra) respectfully approaches his guru Bṛhaspati with folded hands and asks to be instructed about the path to his highest good, setting the stage for ethical and spiritual counsel.