Shloka 4
Nārāyaṇasya Guhya-nāmāni Niruktāni (Etymologies of Nārāyaṇa’s Secret Epithets) / नारायणस्य गुह्यनामानि निरुक्तानि
नारदस्य वच: श्रुत्वा शुक: प्रोवाच भारत | अस्मिल्लोके हितं यत् स्यात् तेन मां योक्तुमहसि
nāradasya vacaḥ śrutvā śukaḥ provāca bhārata | asmin loke hitaṃ yat syāt tena māṃ yoktum arhasi bharatanandana ||
नारदजी की बात सुनकर शुकदेव बोले—“हे भारत! कृपा करके इस लोक में जो सच्चे हित और परम कल्याण का साधन हो, उसी से मुझे जोड़िए—उसी का उपदेश दीजिए।”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames the ethical aim of instruction as 'hita'—what truly benefits and leads to the highest welfare in worldly life. Śuka requests guidance not for mere knowledge, but for a path that is practically and spiritually salutary.
After hearing Nārada speak, Śuka responds respectfully and asks to be guided toward the most beneficial course in this world, signaling a teacher–student exchange focused on dharma and ultimate well-being.