Shloka 7
Śāṇḍilī–Sumanā-saṃvāda: Sat-strī-samudācāra and Pati-dharma
Conduct of the Virtuous Wife
तपस्विनो धृतिमत: प्रमोद: समुपागत: । एतत् पृच्छामि ते विद्वन्नभिवाद्य प्रणम्य च
bhīṣma uvāca | tapasvino dhṛtimataḥ pramodaḥ samupāgataḥ | etat pṛcchāmi te vidvann abhivādya praṇamya ca |
Bhīṣma dit : «Une joie soudaine t’a saisi—toi qui es ascète et ferme dans la maîtrise de toi. Aussi, ô savant, après t’avoir salué et m’être incliné, je demande : quelle est la raison de ton sourire à l’instant ? Comment ce rire a-t-il surgi en toi ? Dis-moi la cause de cet allégresse inattendue.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dhārmic inquiry: even when something seems unusual (a sage’s sudden smile), one should ask respectfully—through greeting and obeisance—seeking the reason rather than assuming or judging.
Bhishma observes a learned ascetic’s unexpected smile and joy, and he formally asks—after salutation and bowing—what caused this sudden delight.