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 ||
Waiśampāyana berkata: “Biarlah Pāṇḍava itu bertanya kepadaku—dia yang senantiasa tekun dalam pemujaan dan pembelajaran, selalu berpegang pada dharma, berhati sabar, dan memahami makna tersembunyi dari ajaran yang telah didengarnya.”
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.