Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, Shloka 25
नारद–शुक संवादः
Impermanence, Svabhāva, and Śuka’s Resolve for Yoga
शाखा: पञ्चदशेमास्तु विद्या भास्करदेशिता: । प्रतिष्ठाप्य यथाकामं वेद्यं तदनुचिन्तयम्
śākhāḥ pañcadaśemāstu vidyā bhāskaradeśitāḥ | pratiṣṭhāpya yathākāmaṃ vedyaṃ tad anucintayam ||
Yājñavalkya dijo: «Estas son las quince ramas del saber sagrado enseñadas por Bhāskara (el Sol). Habiéndolas establecido debidamente y dominado según mi deseo, contemplé entonces la esencia cognoscible: la verdad que ha de conocerse por medio del Veda.»
याज़्ञवल्क्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes that mastery of scriptural branches (śākhās) is a foundation, but the higher aim is sustained contemplation of the ‘vedya’—the ultimate truth the Veda points toward. Learning culminates in inner reflection and realization, not mere accumulation of recensions.
Yājñavalkya is speaking about his acquisition of Vedic learning: he received instruction from Bhāskara (the Sun), gained knowledge of fifteen branches, established himself firmly in that learning, and then turned to contemplating the deeper, knowable essence indicated by the Veda.