Shloka 1
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
(दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठके २ श्लोक मिलाकर कुल ५० श्लोक हैं) अपने-आप बछ। आर: द्विपञज्चाशत्तमो<ड ध्याय: राजा कुशिक और 8 8 द्वारा महर्षि च्यवनकी वा युधिछिर उवाच संशयो मे महाप्राज्ञ सुमहान् सागरोपम: । त॑ मे शूणु महाबाहो श्रुत्वा व्याख्यातुमहसि
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca
saṃśayo me mahāprājña sumahān sāgaropamaḥ |
taṃ me śṛṇu mahābāho śrutvā vyākhyātum arhasi ||
Yudhiṣṭhira disse: “Ó sapientíssimo, uma dúvida imensa—como o oceano—surgiu em minha mente. Ó de braços poderosos, ouve-a de mim; e, depois de ouvi-la, deves explicá-la.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models dharmic inquiry: when moral uncertainty becomes overwhelming, one should respectfully approach a qualified wise person, present the doubt clearly, and seek a reasoned explanation rather than acting impulsively.
At the opening of the chapter, Yudhiṣṭhira addresses a revered, powerful interlocutor and announces that a profound doubt has arisen in him; he requests that it be heard and then authoritatively explained, setting up the ensuing instruction.