Shloka 3
Adhyāya 290: Sāṃkhya-vidhi, Deha-doṣa, Guṇa-vicāra, and Mokṣa-gati
Bhīṣma–Yudhiṣṭhira Dialogue
भीष्म उवाच अन्न ते वर्तयिष्यामि यथापूर्व महायशा: । पराशरं महात्मानं पप्रच्छ जनको नृपः:
bhīṣma uvāca: ākhyānaṃ te vartayiṣyāmi yathāpūrvaṃ mahāyaśāḥ | parāśaraṃ mahātmānaṃ papraccha janako nṛpaḥ ||
भीष्म बोले—हे महायशस्वी! मैं तुम्हें यह प्राचीन वृत्तान्त यथावत् सुनाऊँगा। एक समय राजा जनक ने महात्मा पराशर से प्रश्न किया था।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the dharmic method of learning: a renowned king approaches a realized sage with sincere inquiry, and the teaching is transmitted through an established traditional narrative (ākhyāna) preserved 'as it was' (yathāpūrvam).
Bhishma begins a new episode within his instruction, promising to recount an earlier account. He introduces the scene: King Janaka questions the sage Parāśara, setting up a dialogue that will convey ethical and spiritual guidance.