Shloka 2
Chapter 85: Suvarṇasya Janma ca Pradāna-Phalam
The Origin of Gold and the Merit of Gifting
भीष्म उवाच अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । गोभिननपेह संवादं श्रिया भरतसत्तम
bhīṣma uvāca | atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | gobhiḥ śriyā ca bharatasattama saṁvādam ||
Bhīṣma berkata: “Di sini pun, wahai yang terbaik di antara keturunan Bharata, para bijak mengemukakan sebuah kisah purba sebagai teladan—sebuah dialog antara Sapi dan Śrī (Dewi Keberuntungan).”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma frames his instruction through an authoritative precedent: ethical guidance is strengthened by recalling ancient exemplars (itihāsa). By introducing the Cow–Śrī dialogue, he signals a teaching about how prosperity (Śrī) relates to righteous conduct and social values symbolized by the cow.
Bhishma begins a new illustrative story. Addressing Yudhiṣṭhira, he says that wise people cite an ancient account—specifically a dialogue between the Cow and Śrī (Lakṣmī)—as an example relevant to the topic under discussion.