Shloka 18
Kṛṣṇa’s Dhyāna and the Prompt to Question Bhīṣma (कृष्णध्यानं भीष्मप्रश्नप्रेरणा च)
रामस्य दयितं शिष्यं जामदग्न्यस्य पाण्डव | आधार ं सर्वविद्यानां तमस्मि मनसा गत:,पाण्डुकुमार! जो जमदग्निनन्दन परशुरामजीके प्रिय शिष्य तथा सम्पूर्ण विद्याओंके आधार हैं, उन्हीं भीष्मजीका मैं मन-ही-मन चिन्तन करता था
rāmasya dayitaṁ śiṣyaṁ jāmadagnyasya pāṇḍava | ādhāraṁ sarvavidyānāṁ tam asmi manasā gataḥ ||
रामस्य दयितं शिष्यं जामदग्न्यस्य पाण्डव । आधारं सर्वविद्यानां तमस्मि मनसा गतः ॥
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights reverent recollection of an exemplary figure (Bhīṣma) as a ‘foundation of all disciplines,’ implying that true authority in dharma and governance rests on disciplined learning, mastery guided by a teacher, and ethical seriousness—especially for those connected with power and warfare.
Vāsudeva addresses a Pāṇḍava (Yudhiṣṭhira) and says that he was mentally contemplating Bhīṣma—described as Paraśurāma’s beloved disciple and a support of all knowledge—situating Bhīṣma as a central authority whose life and instruction are worth inward reflection in the Śānti Parva’s post-war ethical discourse.