Shloka 2
Jvarotpatti — The Origin and Distribution of Jvara
Fever
आसीने देवल वृद्ध बुद्ध्वा बुद्धिमतां वरम् । नारद: परिपप्रच्छ भूतानां प्रभवाप्पययम्
āsīne devale vṛddhe buddhvā buddhimatāṁ varam | nāradaḥ paripapraccha bhūtānāṁ prabhavāpyayam ||
एक समय नारदजी ने बुद्धिमानों में श्रेष्ठ वृद्ध असितदेवल को आसन पर विराजमान जानकर, समस्त प्राणियों की उत्पत्ति और प्रलय के विषय में विनयपूर्वक प्रश्न किया।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic method of learning: approach a truly wise elder with respect and ask fundamental questions that clarify reality—here, the cycle of origin and dissolution that underlies ethical perspective and detachment.
Narada finds the aged sage Asita Devala seated and, recognizing his superior wisdom, questions him about how all beings arise and how they ultimately dissolve.