Shloka 9
श्रीशक्रसंवादः — The Dialogue of Śrī
Lakṣmī) and Śakra (Indra
युधिषछ्िर उवाच कथं सदोपवासी स्याद् ब्रह्मचारी कथं भवेत् । विघसाशी कथं च स्यात् सदा चैवातिथिव्रतः
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: kathaṃ sadopavāsī syād brahmacārī kathaṃ bhavet | vighasāśī kathaṃ ca syāt sadā caivātithivrataḥ ||
ユディシュティラは問うた。「大祖父よ！人はどのようにして真に『常に断食する者』となり得るのでしょうか。どのようにして絶えず梵行にとどまり得るのでしょうか。いかなる仕方で食を受ければ、祭祀ののちの残りのみを食する者となれるのでしょうか。さらに、客をもてなす誓戒を、いかにして怠りなく守り続けられるのでしょうか。」
युधिषछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a dharma-question about integrating multiple high ideals—constant fasting, lifelong brahmacarya, eating only sanctified remnants, and unwavering hospitality—highlighting that ethical life often requires practical guidance on how rigorous vows can be lived without contradiction.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction setting, Yudhiṣṭhira asks the elder authority (addressed as ‘Pitāmaha’ in the surrounding context) to explain how a person can realistically practice severe disciplines and social duties together, especially the tension between personal austerity and the obligation to feed and honor guests.