Shloka 4
Vyaktāvyakta-Viveka and Nivṛtti as Paramā Gati
Manifest–Unmanifest Discrimination and the Supreme Path of Withdrawal
शिष्य: परममेधावी श्रेयो<र्थी सुसमाहित: । चरणावुपसंगृहा[ स्थित: प्राउजलिरब्रवीत्
śiṣyaḥ paramamedhāvī śreyo'rthī susamāhitaḥ | caraṇāv upasaṅgṛhya sthitaḥ prāñjalir abravīt ||
Dijo Bhīṣma: Un discípulo de inteligencia excepcional, que buscaba el bien supremo y mantenía la mente serena, se acercó a su maestro, tomó con reverencia ambos pies en señal de homenaje, y luego, de pie con las manos juntas, habló—dejando así dispuesto el marco para una indagación respetuosa sobre lo que es verdaderamente beneficioso y conforme al dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the ethical posture required for learning: a sincere seeker of śreyas approaches knowledge with mental composure, humility, and reverence toward the teacher—suggesting that right conduct and inner discipline are prerequisites for receiving dharmic instruction.
A highly intelligent disciple, intent on true welfare, comes to his teacher, bows by clasping the teacher’s feet, stands with folded hands, and begins to speak—introducing a formal question-and-answer setting typical of dharma instruction in the Śānti Parva.