Shloka 26
Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
वसिष्ठ: कश्यपश्चैव विश्वामित्रो<त्रिरेव च | मार्गान् सर्वान् परिक्रम्य परिश्रान्ता: स्वकर्मभि:
vasiṣṭhaḥ kaśyapaś caiva viśvāmitro ’trir eva ca | mārgān sarvān parikramya pariśrāntāḥ svakarmabhiḥ ||
Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra et Atri aussi—ayant parcouru toutes les voies et s’étant lassés des œuvres qui leur étaient assignées—se trouvèrent épuisés. Le vers peint cette fatigue non comme un échec, mais comme la limite naturelle de l’effort tourné vers l’extérieur, préparant la quête d’une direction plus haute et d’une clarté sur le bien suprême.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the greatest sages, after exhausting the range of outward paths and duties, recognize the need for higher discernment. The verse highlights the ethical-spiritual pivot from mere activity (karma) to inquiry and guidance about the highest good.
A group of eminent sages—Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra, and Atri—have tried many approaches and become weary through their respective works. Their exhaustion signals a transition toward collective consultation and seeking a superior source of instruction (developed in the surrounding verses).