Shloka 2
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
भगवानुशना चाह शलोकमत्र विशाम्पते । तदिहैकमना राजन् गदतस्तं निबोध मे,प्रजानाथ! इस विषयमें भगवान् शुक्राचार्यने एक श्लोक कहा है, उसे मैं बता रहा हूँ। तुम यहाँ एकाग्रचित्त होकर मुझसे उस श्लोकको सुनो
bhagavān uśanā cāha ślokam atra viśāmpate | tad ihaikamanā rājan gadatas taṃ nibodha me || prajānātha |
भीष्म उवाच— भगवान् उशना चाह श्लोकमत्र विशाम्पते । तदिहैकमना राजन् गदतस्तं निबोध मे ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical instruction as authoritative and disciplined: Bhishma cites a respected teacher (Ushanas/Shukracharya) and urges the king to listen with single-pointed attention, implying that right governance and dharma require careful, focused reception of wise counsel.
In the Shanti Parva’s teaching dialogue, Bhishma continues advising the king (Yudhishthira). He introduces a forthcoming quotation—an instructive śloka attributed to Ushanas—asking the king to concentrate and understand as Bhishma recites it.