Shloka 1
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
(दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठका ३ “लोक मिलाकर कुल ८९३ “लोक हैं) नम शा+ (0) आज अत+- सप्तषष्ट्यांधेकशततमो< ध्याय: धर्म
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: ity uktavati Bhīṣme tu tūṣṇīṁ-bhūte Yudhiṣṭhiraḥ | papracchāvasathaṁ gatvā bhrātṝn Vidura-pañcamān ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : Lorsque Bhīṣma eut achevé ses paroles et se tut, Yudhiṣṭhira retourna à sa demeure et interrogea ses frères, avec Vidura comme cinquième parmi eux. La scène marque une pause de recueillement après l’enseignement de Bhīṣma, tandis que Yudhiṣṭhira cherche conseil auprès des siens afin d’éclaircir la voie juste en matière de dharma, d’artha et de kāma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic method of decision-making: after receiving authoritative instruction (Bhīṣma), a ruler like Yudhiṣṭhira still seeks deliberation and counsel from trusted elders and kin (including Vidura), indicating that ethical governance requires reflection, consultation, and clarity before action.
Bhīṣma has concluded a portion of his discourse and becomes silent. Yudhiṣṭhira returns to his residence and questions his brothers, counting Vidura as the fifth participant, setting up their separate viewpoints on dharma, artha, and kāma and leading toward Yudhiṣṭhira’s eventual decision.