Shloka 26
Adhyāya 174: Karma as an inescapable companion (कर्मानुगमन-उपदेश)
वैशम्पायन उवाच एतच्छुत्वा तदा वाक््यं भीष्मेणोक्त महात्मना । युधिष्ठिर: प्रीतमना बभूव जनमेजय,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! महात्मा भीष्मका यह वचन सुनकर राजा युधिष्ठिर मन ही मन बड़े प्रसन्न हुए
vaiśampāyana uvāca etac chrutvā tadā vākyam bhīṣmeṇoktaṁ mahātmanā | yudhiṣṭhiraḥ prītamanā babhūva janamejaya ||
वैशम्पायन उवाच—एतच्छ्रुत्वा तदा वाक्यं भीष्मेणोक्तं महात्मना। युधिष्ठिरः प्रीतमना बभूव जनमेजय॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical importance of receptive listening: when dharma is taught by a venerable authority (Bhīṣma), the rightful response is thoughtful acceptance, leading to inner clarity and joy in the learner (Yudhiṣṭhira).
Vaiśampāyana continues narrating to King Janamejaya: after Bhīṣma delivers his counsel, Yudhiṣṭhira hears it and becomes mentally pleased, indicating approval and readiness to follow the dharmic guidance.