Shloka 19
ऊचुस्तान् वै मुनीन् सर्वान् कृपायुक्तान् पुनः पुनः । वयं च क्षुधिताश्रैव धर्माद्धीनाश्न शाश्वतात्
ūcus tān vai munīn sarvān kṛpāyuktān punaḥ punaḥ | vayaṃ ca kṣudhitāś caiva dharmādhīnān na śāśvatāt ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : À maintes reprises, ils s’adressèrent à tous ces sages, pleins de compassion : « Nous aussi, nous avons faim, et notre subsistance dépend du dharma ; nous ne vivons pas d’une provision éternelle et indépendante. »
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical stance: even in need (hunger), one should remain dependent on dharma—seeking support through righteous, socially sanctioned means rather than claiming entitlement or resorting to unrighteous action.
A group repeatedly appeals to compassionate sages, explaining their hunger and their reliance on dharma for sustenance, thereby requesting help or guidance within the bounds of righteous conduct.