Shloka 19
Gautama–Yama Saṃvāda: Mātṛ-Pitṛ-Ṛṇa (Debt to Parents) and Śubha-Loka Attainment
एतत् कारणसामर्थ्य श्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्त्वत: । भवन्तो5पि तपोनित्या ब्रूयुरेतत् समन्विता:
etad kāraṇa-sāmarthyaṁ śrotum icchāmi tattvataḥ | bhavanto 'pi tapo-nityā brūyur etat samanvitāḥ ||
एतत् कारणसामर्थ्यं श्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्त्वतः। भवन्तोऽपि तपोनित्या ब्रूयुरेतत् समन्विताः॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models dharmic inquiry: one should seek the truth about causes and their efficacy, yet do so with humility and consideration—especially not obstructing the spiritual discipline (tapas) of those being questioned.
Bhishma, speaking respectfully to ascetic interlocutors, asks them to explain the true nature of a particular cause and its power. He adds that if his questions interrupt their austerities he will stop, but if they have time, they should confer together and resolve his doubt.