Shloka 5
ब्राह्मण–क्षत्रिय-श्रेष्ठता-विवादः
Arjuna–Vāyu Dialogue on Brāhmaṇa and Kṣatriya Precedence
“यदि आपलोग आज्ञा दें तो रेणुक उन महान् गजोंके पास जाकर धर्मके समस्त गोपनीय रहस्योंको पूछे” ।।
yadi ājñāṁ dadyuḥ, tadā reṇukā mahāgajān prati gatvā dharmasya sarvān gopyān rahasyān pṛcchet iti | pitāmahavacaḥ śrutvā te devāḥ śāntacittāḥ tadā reṇukāṁ preṣayām āsuḥ yatra te dharaṇīdharā diggajāḥ santi |
Disse Bhīṣma: “Se concederdes permissão, então Reṇukā deve ir até aqueles poderosos elefantes e indagar todos os mistérios secretos do Dharma.” Ao ouvirem as palavras do Pitāmaha (Brahmā), os deuses, serenos de espírito, enviaram então Reṇukā ao lugar onde se encontravam aqueles elefantes guardiões das direções, sustentáculos da terra.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is portrayed as subtle and sometimes ‘gopya’ (confidential), to be approached through disciplined inquiry, proper authorization, and respect for established cosmic and moral supports. The verse emphasizes that ethical knowledge is not merely asserted but sought from authoritative bearers of order.
After Brahma’s statement is heard, the gods—remaining composed—send Renuka as an emissary to the location of the diggajas, the mythic elephants who uphold the earth/directions, so that she may question them about the hidden principles of Dharma.