Shloka 9
Gautama–Śakra Saṃvāda: Karma, Loka-bheda, and the Restoration of the Elephant
इध्मोदकप्रदातारं शून्यपालं ममाश्रमे । विनीतमाचार्यकुले सुयुक्त गुरुकर्मणि
idhmodaka-pradātāraṁ śūnya-pālaṁ mamāśrame | vinītam ācārya-kule suyuktaṁ guru-karmaṇi |
“Wahai Raja, dialah yang membawakan aku kayu bakar (samidh) dan air. Ketika pertapaanku kosong, dialah penjaganya. Dengan tinggal di rumah sang guru, ia telah belajar rendah hati dan tata tertib, dan ia terikat dengan baik pada tugas-tugas pelayanan kepada guru.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical value of humble service and disciplined training: one who faithfully performs simple duties (bringing firewood and water), protects what is entrusted to him, and remains properly engaged in guru-service is praised as well-trained and worthy.
Bhishma is describing a devoted attendant/guardian in his hermitage—someone who supplies necessities, guards the ashram when it is empty, and has been trained in the teacher’s household—emphasizing the person’s suitability and disciplined conduct.