Shloka 26
Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
वसिष्ठ: कश्यपश्चैव विश्वामित्रो<त्रिरेव च | मार्गान् सर्वान् परिक्रम्य परिश्रान्ता: स्वकर्मभि:
vasiṣṭhaḥ kaśyapaś caiva viśvāmitro ’trir eva ca | mārgān sarvān parikramya pariśrāntāḥ svakarmabhiḥ ||
Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra e Atri também—tendo percorrido todos os caminhos e se cansado pelos deveres que lhes cabiam—ficaram exaustos. O verso apresenta a fadiga dos sábios não como fracasso, mas como o limite natural do esforço exterior, preparando o terreno para buscar orientação mais elevada e clareza sobre o bem supremo.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the greatest sages, after exhausting the range of outward paths and duties, recognize the need for higher discernment. The verse highlights the ethical-spiritual pivot from mere activity (karma) to inquiry and guidance about the highest good.
A group of eminent sages—Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra, and Atri—have tried many approaches and become weary through their respective works. Their exhaustion signals a transition toward collective consultation and seeking a superior source of instruction (developed in the surrounding verses).