Shloka 18
Bhīmasya paruṣa-vākyaṃ
Bhīma’s Harsh Speech Heard by Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Gāndhārī
वैशम्पायन उवाच एतावदुक्त्वा वचनमनुमान्य च पार्थिवम् | तथास्त्विति च तेनोक्त: कौन्तेयेन ययौ वनम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | etāvad uktvā vacanam anumānya ca pārthivam | tathāstv iti ca tenoktaḥ kaunteyena yayau vanam ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—इतना कहकर महर्षि व्यास ने राजा को समझा-बुझाकर उनकी सम्मति प्राप्त कर ली। और जब कुन्तीपुत्र युधिष्ठिर ने “तथास्तु” कहकर उनकी आज्ञा स्वीकार कर ली, तब वे वन में अपने आश्रम की ओर चले गए।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic responsiveness: a ruler should be willing to accept the guidance of a realized elder, and ethical action often begins with humble assent—“tathāstu”—rather than argument or delay.
After speaking to and persuading the king, Vyāsa receives Yudhiṣṭhira’s acceptance. With the king’s consent secured, Vyāsa departs to the forest, returning to his hermitage.