Shloka 34
Śara-śayyā-sthita-bhīṣma-saṃvāda-prastāvaḥ
The Prelude to Questioning Bhīṣma on the Bed of Arrows
भवान् हि वयसा वृद्ध: श्रुताचारसमन्वित: । कुशलो राजधर्माणां सर्वेषामपराश्च ये
bhavān hi vayasā vṛddhaḥ śrutācārasamanvitaḥ | kuśalo rājadharmāṇāṃ sarveṣām aparāś ca ye ||
Dijo Vāyu-deva: «En verdad eres de edad avanzada, dotado de saber y de buena conducta. También eres diestro en todos los deberes de la realeza—y en las demás ramas del dharma asimismo».
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Authority in advising on dharma—especially rājadharma—rests on a union of age-matured experience (vṛddhatva), scriptural learning (śruta), and exemplary conduct (ācāra). Competence in governance is framed as an ethical discipline grounded in broader dharma.
Vāyu addresses an honored elder, praising his seniority, learning, and moral conduct, and affirming his expertise in royal duties and other dharmic disciplines—thereby establishing him as a credible guide for instruction on governance and righteousness.