अध्याय ३५१ — उञ्छवृत्ति-व्रतसिद्धेः मानुषस्य परमगतिः
Sūrya–Nāga Dialogue on the Perfected Gleaner-Ascetic
सुमन्तुर्जैमिनिश्वैव पैलश्व सुदृढव्रतः । अहं चतुर्थ: शिष्यो वै शुकोव्यासात्मजस्तथा
sumantur jaiminiś caiva pailaś ca sudṛḍhavrataḥ | ahaṁ caturthaḥ śiṣyo vai śuko vyāsātmajas tathā ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : «Sumantu, Jaimini et Paila —ferme dans ses vœux—, et moi comme quatrième disciple, ainsi que Śuka, fils de Vyāsa : tels furent les élèves qui entouraient le sage.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical foundation of learning: true knowledge is safeguarded and transmitted through disciplined discipleship—steadfast vows (vrata), service to the teacher, and fidelity to dharma.
Vaiśampāyana identifies the circle of Vyāsa’s principal students—Sumantu, Jaimini, Paila, himself as the fourth, and Śuka as Vyāsa’s son—establishing the authority and continuity of the tradition behind the Mahābhārata’s teaching.