Shloka 9
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
सद्धिराचरितं पूर्व यथावदनुयायिनम् । अपृच्छद् वसुहोमस्तं राजन् कि करवाणि ते
sadbhiḥ ācaritaṁ pūrvaṁ yathāvad anuyāyinam | apṛcchad vasuhomas taṁ rājan kiṁ karavāṇi te ||
Bhīṣma dit : Vasuhoma interrogea le roi Mandhātṛ, qui suivait avec constance et justesse l’antique voie pratiquée par les vertueux : « Ô roi, quel service puis-je te rendre ? »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as faithful adherence to the time-tested conduct of the virtuous, and it frames ethical life through humble readiness to serve and support righteous kingship.
Bhishma narrates that Vasuhoma approaches King Mandhātṛ—depicted as one who properly follows the ancient righteous path—and asks what he can do in service to him.