Shloka 16
अध्याय ४६ — सभाप्रवेशः तथा सञ्जयस्य दूतवृत्तान्तः
Entry into the Royal Assembly and Sañjaya’s Envoy Report
अभिवादयन्ति वृद्धांश्व॒ वयस्यांश्व वयस्यवत् । यूनश्वाभ्यवदन् पार्था: प्रतिपूज्य यथावय:
abhivādayanti vṛddhāṁś ca vayasyāṁś ca vayasyavat | yūnaś cābhyavadan pārthāḥ pratipūjya yathāvayaḥ ||
“Para Pārtha menyampaikan sembah hormat kepada yang tua; kepada yang sebaya mereka mengirim salam sebagai sahabat; dan kepada yang lebih muda pun mereka menuturkan kata-kata penuh hormat—memuliakan setiap orang menurut usianya.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should observe dharma in speech and conduct by honouring people appropriately: reverence to elders, friendly equality with peers, and considerate respect toward juniors. Such disciplined etiquette sustains harmony and goodwill, especially in politically charged moments.
Sañjaya reports a formal message from the Pāṇḍavas (Pārthas). Along with the substance of their communication, they send courteous greetings to different groups—elders, peers, and younger persons—each in a manner suited to age and status, reflecting careful diplomacy before the outbreak of war.