Shloka 12
Utkramaṇa-sthāna and Ariṣṭa-lakṣaṇa: Yājñavalkya’s Instruction on Departure Pathways and Mortality Signs
धार्यते हि त्वया ग्रन्थ उभयोर्वेदशास्त्रयो: । नच ग्रन्थस्य तत्त्वज्ञो यथातत्त्व॑ नरेश्वर
dhāryate hi tvayā grantha ubhayor vedaśāstrayoḥ | na ca granthasya tattvajño yathātattvaṁ nareśvara ||
Dijo Vasiṣṭha: «En verdad, has retenido en la memoria los textos tanto del Veda como de los śāstra. Sin embargo, oh rey, no conoces de veras el sentido real y último de la Escritura tal como es.»
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes between merely retaining sacred texts and truly grasping their essence (tattva). Ethical and dharmic living requires insight into meaning and purpose, not only recitation or textual mastery.
Vasiṣṭha addresses a king and gently rebukes him: although the king has memorized the Veda and śāstras, he lacks correct understanding of their true purport. The scene functions as instruction on how rulers should seek wisdom beyond rote learning.