Shloka 9
बक-गौतमाख्यानम् / The Baka–Gautama Account
On Gratitude and Friendship Ethics
उवाच स तु धर्मज्ञो धरनुर्वेदस्य पारग: । शरतल्पगतो भीष्मो नकुलाय महात्मने
vaiśampāyana uvāca | uvāca sa tu dharmajño dhanuḥvedasya pāragāḥ | śaratālpagato bhīṣmo nakulāya mahātmane ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。「そこで、ダルマを知り、弓術の学（ダヌルヴェーダ）を究め、矢の床に横たわるビーシュマは、気高きナクーラに答えて語り始めた。この場面は教えを倫理の伝達として描く。戦と苦患の余燼のただ中にあっても、長老は教導の規律を保ち、ふさわしい弟子に、節度と洗練を備えた言葉で応じるのである。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets the ethical frame for instruction: true mastery (of dharma and martial science) expresses itself as disciplined, respectful teaching, even in suffering. Bhīṣma’s authority rests not only on skill in archery but on moral discernment, making his reply a model of responsible guidance.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Bhīṣma, lying on the arrow-bed, begins answering Nakula. It introduces Bhīṣma’s forthcoming response and highlights his qualifications—dharma-knowledge and complete command of dhanuḥ-veda—while positioning Nakula as a worthy recipient.