Shloka 28
Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
त॑ प्रणम्य महात्मानं सुखासीनं महर्षय: । पप्रच्छुर्विनयोपेता नै:श्रेयसमिदं परम्
taṁ praṇamya mahātmānaṁ sukhāsīnaṁ maharṣayaḥ | papracchur vinayopetā naiḥśreyasam idaṁ param ||
ସୁଖାସୀନ ସେହି ମହାତ୍ମାଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରଣାମ କରି, ବିନୟଯୁକ୍ତ ମହର୍ଷିମାନେ ପରମ ନୈଃଶ୍ରେୟସ—ସର୍ବୋଚ୍ଚ କଲ୍ୟାଣ—ବିଷୟରେ ପଚାରିଲେ।
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the proper approach to spiritual knowledge: humility (vinaya) and reverence (praṇāma) precede inquiry into naiḥśreyasa—the highest good. Ethically, it implies that sincere seeking, disciplined conduct, and respect for wisdom are prerequisites for guidance toward liberation.
A group of great sages, seeing a revered great-souled being seated peacefully, first bow to him and then ask about the supreme good. In the broader frame (as reflected in the accompanying prose), the sages—tired of many paths—approach Brahmā to ask what leads to ultimate welfare.