Shloka 2
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
विविक्ते विदितप्रज्ञमर्जुनं पुरुषर्षभ । सान्त्वपूर्व स्मितं कृत्वा पाणिना परिसंस्पृशन्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--नरश्रेष्ठ जनममेजय! कुछ कालके अनन्तर धर्मराज युधिष्ठिरको व्यासजीके संदेशका स्मरण हो आया। तब उन्होंने परम बुद्धिमान् अर्जुनसे एकान्तमें वार्तालाप किया। शत्रुओंका दमन करनेवाले धर्मराज युधिष्ठिरने दो घड़ीतक वनवासके विषयमें चिन्तन करके किंचित् मुसकराते हुए अर्जुनके शरीरको हाथसे स्पर्श किया और एकान्तमें उन्हें सान्त्वना देते हुए इस प्रकार कहा
vivikte viditaprajñam arjunaṁ puruṣarṣabha | sāntvapūrvaṁ smitaṁ kṛtvā pāṇinā parisaṁspṛśan |
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Ó melhor dos homens, Arjuna—conhecido por seu discernimento firme—foi abordado num lugar retirado. Com um sorriso brando e tranquilizador, e tocando-o com a mão, (Yudhiṣṭhira começou a consolá-lo), preparando-se para falar em particular.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical leadership through empathy: before giving counsel, a righteous elder-brother/king approaches privately, softens the moment with a reassuring smile and touch, and speaks in a consoling manner—showing that dharmic guidance should be delivered with sensitivity and respect.
In the frame narration, Vaiśampāyana describes a private moment where Arjuna is met in seclusion; Yudhiṣṭhira, preparing to speak confidentially, reassures him with a gentle smile and a supportive touch, setting the tone for a consoling conversation.