Shloka 9
श्रीशक्रसंवादः — The Dialogue of Śrī
Lakṣmī) and Śakra (Indra
युधिषछ्िर उवाच कथं सदोपवासी स्याद् ब्रह्मचारी कथं भवेत् । विघसाशी कथं च स्यात् सदा चैवातिथिव्रतः
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: kathaṃ sadopavāsī syād brahmacārī kathaṃ bhavet | vighasāśī kathaṃ ca syāt sadā caivātithivrataḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dijo: «¡Abuelo venerable! ¿Cómo puede una persona ser de verdad alguien que ayuna siempre? ¿Cómo puede permanecer continuamente en el brahmacarya? ¿De qué modo debe tomar alimento para convertirse en quien come sólo lo que queda tras el sacrificio, y cómo puede además mantener sin falta el voto de servir a los huéspedes?»
युधिषछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a dharma-question about integrating multiple high ideals—constant fasting, lifelong brahmacarya, eating only sanctified remnants, and unwavering hospitality—highlighting that ethical life often requires practical guidance on how rigorous vows can be lived without contradiction.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction setting, Yudhiṣṭhira asks the elder authority (addressed as ‘Pitāmaha’ in the surrounding context) to explain how a person can realistically practice severe disciplines and social duties together, especially the tension between personal austerity and the obligation to feed and honor guests.