Shloka 18
आदि पर्व, अध्याय 139 — Hiḍimba’s Detection and Hiḍimbā’s Approach to Bhīma
नीतिमान् सकलां नीति विबुधाधिपतेस्तदा । अवाप्य सहदेवोडपि भ्रातृणां ववृते वशे,सहदेव भी उस समय द्रोणके रूपमें अवतीर्ण देवताओंके आचार्य बृहस्पतिसे सम्पूर्ण नीतिशास्त्रकी शिक्षा पाकर नीतिमान् हो अपने भाइयोंके अधीन (अनुकूल) होकर रहते थे। नकुलने भी द्रोणाचार्यसे ही अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंकी शिक्षा पायी थी। वे अपने भाइयोंको बहुत ही प्रिय थे और विचित्र प्रकारसे युद्ध करनेमें उनकी बड़ी ख्याति थी। वे अतिरथी वीर कहे जाते थे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | nītimān sakalāṃ nītiṃ vibudhādhipatestadā | avāpya sahadevo 'pi bhrātṝṇāṃ vavṛte vaśe ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having then learned the entire science of polity and right conduct from the lord of the wise (Bṛhaspati), Sahadeva too became a man of sound judgment, and he lived in willing compliance with the will of his brothers—showing disciplined humility alongside his learning.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True excellence in nīti (ethical and political wisdom) is shown not only by learning but by disciplined conduct—Sahadeva’s knowledge is paired with humility and cooperative obedience toward his elders/brothers, aligning personal ability with family duty.
The narrator describes Sahadeva’s training: he acquires complete instruction in nīti from the divine preceptor (understood as Bṛhaspati) and, despite his competence, chooses to live harmoniously under the guidance and authority of his brothers.