ब्राह्मण–क्षत्रिय-श्रेष्ठता-विवादः
Arjuna–Vāyu Dialogue on Brāhmaṇa and Kṣatriya Precedence
“यदि आपलोग आज्ञा दें तो रेणुक उन महान् गजोंके पास जाकर धर्मके समस्त गोपनीय रहस्योंको पूछे” ।।
yadi ājñāṁ dadyuḥ, tadā reṇukā mahāgajān prati gatvā dharmasya sarvān gopyān rahasyān pṛcchet iti | pitāmahavacaḥ śrutvā te devāḥ śāntacittāḥ tadā reṇukāṁ preṣayām āsuḥ yatra te dharaṇīdharā diggajāḥ santi |
ビーシュマは言った。「もしお許しが得られるなら、レーヌカーをあの偉大なる象たちのもとへ遣わし、ダルマのあらゆる秘奥を問いたださせるべきである。」祖父神(ブラフマー)の言葉を聞くや、心静かな神々は、そのときレーヌカーを、地を支え方位を護る世界支柱の象たちが在する場所へと遣わした。
भीष्म उवाच
Dharma is portrayed as subtle and sometimes ‘gopya’ (confidential), to be approached through disciplined inquiry, proper authorization, and respect for established cosmic and moral supports. The verse emphasizes that ethical knowledge is not merely asserted but sought from authoritative bearers of order.
After Brahma’s statement is heard, the gods—remaining composed—send Renuka as an emissary to the location of the diggajas, the mythic elephants who uphold the earth/directions, so that she may question them about the hidden principles of Dharma.