Shloka 37
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
तमन्वगच्छतां तौ च क्षुधितौ श्रमकर्शितौ । भार्यापती मुनिश्रेष्ठस्तावेती नावलोकयत्
tam anvagacchatāṃ tau ca kṣudhitau śramakarśitau | bhāryāpatī muniśreṣṭhas tāv etī nāvalokayat ||
王と王妃は飢えに苦しみ、疲労で衰えていたが、それでも聖仙の後を近く従って行った。だが、最勝の牟尼は夫婦に目を上げて見ることさえしなかった。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores ascetic detachment and the testing of seekers: a great sage may remain outwardly indifferent, compelling those who approach him to cultivate humility, patience, and endurance rather than expecting immediate acknowledgment or comfort.
A husband and wife—identified in context as a royal couple—follow behind a foremost sage despite hunger and exhaustion. The sage, however, does not even look back at them, indicating his strict austerity and emotional restraint.