Shloka 16
अथोपेत्य महाबाहुरभिवाद्य पितामहम् । अतिष्ठत् प्राञ्जलि: प्रह्न:ः कि करोमीति चाब्रवीत्
athopetya mahābāhur abhivādya pitāmaham | atiṣṭhat prāñjaliḥ praṇataḥ kiṁ karomīti cābravīt ||
Alors Arjuna, aux bras puissants, s’approcha du vénérable Bhīṣma, le salua avec révérence et demeura debout, les mains jointes, dans une humble soumission. Avec une retenue courtoise, il demanda : «Quel est votre ordre pour moi — quel service dois-je accomplir ?»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid war, dharma is upheld through humility and proper conduct: a warrior may oppose an elder in battle, yet must still honor him with respectful salutation and a readiness to serve according to rightful command.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna goes to Bhīṣma, offers respectful obeisance, stands with folded hands, and asks what he should do—seeking instruction or permission in a deferential manner.