Shloka 20
Adhyāya 55 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Hesitation and Bhīṣma’s Authorization of Inquiry
Rājadharma Prelude
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तस्तु भीष्मेण धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर: । विनीतवदुपागम्य तस्थौ संदर्शनेडग्रत:,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--राजन्! भीष्मजीके ऐसा कहनेपर धर्मपुत्र युधिष्ठिर उनके पास जाकर एक विनीत पुरुषके समान उनकी दृष्टिके सामने खड़े हो गये
vaiśampāyana uvāca | evam uktas tu bhīṣmeṇa dharmaputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ | vinītavad upāgamya tasthau saṃdarśane 'grataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: Así interpelado por Bhishma, Yudhiṣṭhira, hijo de Dharma, se acercó con humildad y se quedó de pie ante él, dentro de su mirada.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models the ethical posture required for receiving dharma-instruction: humility (vinaya), respectful approach to an elder-teacher, and attentive presence. Yudhiṣṭhira’s conduct shows that rightful governance and moral clarity begin with disciplined listening to wise counsel.
After Bhīṣma speaks, Yudhiṣṭhira—called Dharmaputra—goes to him and stands before him in his line of sight, like a humble, well-disciplined person. It marks Yudhiṣṭhira’s readiness to hear Bhīṣma’s extended teachings in the Śānti Parva.