Shloka 8
Vyāsa’s Boon-Offer and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Remorse in the Forest Assembly (आश्रमवासिक पर्व, अध्याय ३६)
कथं च वर्तते चाद्य पिता मम स पार्थिव: । श्रोतुमिच्छामि भगवन् यदि दृष्टस्त्वया नृप:,आजकल मेरे ताऊ राजा धुृतराष्ट्र कैसे रहते हैं? भगवन्! यदि आपने उन्हें देखा हो तो मैं उनका समाचार सुनना चाहता हूँ
kathaṁ ca vartate cādya pitā mama sa pārthivaḥ | śrotum icchāmi bhagavan yadi dṛṣṭas tvayā nṛpaḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dit : «Et comment vit à présent ce roi — mon père ? Ô vénérable, si tu as vu le monarque, je souhaite entendre de ses nouvelles.»
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after conflict and political upheaval, dharma requires continued respect and concern for elders and former rulers; Yudhiṣṭhira’s inquiry reflects ethical responsibility, compassion, and the duty to seek the welfare of those who once stood as guardians.
In the Āśramavāsika context, Yudhiṣṭhira addresses a revered interlocutor and asks how Dhṛtarāṣṭra is presently living, requesting a direct report if the speaker has seen him—signaling concern for the old king’s condition after withdrawing from royal life.