Shloka 9
बक-गौतमाख्यानम् / The Baka–Gautama Account
On Gratitude and Friendship Ethics
उवाच स तु धर्मज्ञो धरनुर्वेदस्य पारग: । शरतल्पगतो भीष्मो नकुलाय महात्मने
vaiśampāyana uvāca | uvāca sa tu dharmajño dhanuḥvedasya pāragāḥ | śaratālpagato bhīṣmo nakulāya mahātmane ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : Alors Bhīṣma—connaisseur du dharma, passé sur l’autre rive de la science de l’arc, étendu sur son lit de flèches—commença à parler en réponse au noble Nakula. La scène présente l’instruction comme une transmission éthique : même au milieu des suites de la guerre et de la souffrance, l’aîné maintient la discipline de l’enseignement et répond au disciple digne d’une parole mesurée et raffinée.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets the ethical frame for instruction: true mastery (of dharma and martial science) expresses itself as disciplined, respectful teaching, even in suffering. Bhīṣma’s authority rests not only on skill in archery but on moral discernment, making his reply a model of responsible guidance.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Bhīṣma, lying on the arrow-bed, begins answering Nakula. It introduces Bhīṣma’s forthcoming response and highlights his qualifications—dharma-knowledge and complete command of dhanuḥ-veda—while positioning Nakula as a worthy recipient.