Shloka 23
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
तथापि ब्रूमहे प्रश्नांस्तव राजन्यथाश्रुतम् । सम्भाषणीयो हि भवानात्मन: शुद्धिमिच्छता ॥ २३ ॥
tathāpi brūmahe praśnāṁs tava rājan yathā-śrutam sambhāṣaṇīyo hi bhavān ātmanaḥ śuddhim icchatā
О царь, хотя ты знаешь всё, ты задал вопросы согласно услышанному; я отвечу по тому, что слышал от авторитетов, ибо стремящийся к очищению себя должен говорить с таким, как ты.
A saintly person doesn’t wish to speak to anyone and everyone, and he is therefore grave and silent. Generally a common man does not need to be advised. Unless one is prepared to take instructions, it is said that a saintly person should not address him, although sometimes, because of great kindness, a saintly person speaks to ordinary men. As for Prahlāda Mahārāja, however, since he was not a common, ordinary man, whatever questions he posed would have to be answered, even by a great and exalted personality. Therefore the saintly brāhmaṇa did not remain silent, but began to answer. These answers, however, were not concocted by him. This is indicated by the words yathā-śrutam, meaning “as I have heard from the authorities.” In the paramparā system, when the questions are bona fide the answers are bona fide. No one should attempt to create or manufacture answers. One must refer to the śāstras and give answers according to Vedic understanding. The words yathā-śrutam refer to Vedic knowledge. The Vedas are known as śruti because this knowledge is received from authorities. The statements of the Vedas are known as śruti-pramāṇa. One should quote evidence from the śruti — the Vedas or Vedic literature — and then one’s statements will be correct. Otherwise one’s words will proceed from mental concoction.
FAQs
This verse states that one seeking ātma-śuddhi should engage in spiritual conversation with qualified, saintly persons, and that answers should be given faithfully as received through hearing (yathā-śrutam).
Yudhiṣṭhira had inquired about dharma and saintly conduct; Nārada affirms he will reply according to authentic tradition and praises Yudhiṣṭhira as an ideal person with whom such purifying dialogue is beneficial.
Seek guidance from genuine devotees/teachers, ask sincere questions, and study Bhagavatam through authentic teachings—then apply what you hear consistently to purify character and intention.