Shloka 7
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Śrāddha Request and Bhīma’s Objection (Āśramavāsika-parva, Adhyāya 17)
राज्यस्थया तपस्तप्तुं कर्तु दानव्रतं महत् । अनया शक्यमेवाद्य श्रूयतां च वचो मम
rājyasthayā tapas taptuṁ kartuṁ dāna-vrataṁ mahat | anayā śakyam evādya śrūyatāṁ ca vaco mama ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : «Même en demeurant dans le royaume, elle peut pratiquer l’ascèse et accomplir le grand vœu du don. Qu’elle écoute donc aujourd’hui mes paroles avec attention.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Spiritual discipline and ethical merit are not confined to forest-renunciation; one can practice tapas and fulfill a great vow of charity even while living within the responsibilities of the kingdom.
Vaiśampāyana introduces counsel about a woman’s capacity to undertake austerity and a major charitable observance without leaving royal life, urging that his words be heard attentively.