Shloka 10
Adhyāya 55 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Hesitation and Bhīṣma’s Authorization of Inquiry
Rājadharma Prelude
इज्याध्ययननित्यस्य धर्मे च निरत: सदा । क्षान्त: श्रुतरहस्यश्न स मां पृच्छतु पाण्डव:
ijyādhyayana-nityasya dharme ca nirataḥ sadā | kṣāntaḥ śruta-rahasya-jñaḥ sa māṃ pṛcchatu pāṇḍavaḥ ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—जो यज्ञ-पूजा और अध्ययन में नित्य लगा रहे, धर्म में सदा निरत हो, स्वभाव से क्षान्त हो, और सुने हुए शास्त्र के रहस्यार्थ को जानता हो—वही पाण्डव मुझसे प्रश्न करे।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises the ideal questioner: one grounded in worship and disciplined study, steadfast in dharma, patient, and capable of grasping the deeper intent of teachings. Ethical instruction is presented as most fruitful when sought by a prepared, self-controlled inquirer.
Vaiśampāyana, as narrator, signals readiness to respond to a Pāṇḍava’s inquiry. He characterizes the inquirer’s virtues—religious practice, learning, commitment to dharma, forbearance, and insight—framing the ensuing instruction as a serious dharma-discourse.