Shloka 37
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
तमन्वगच्छतां तौ च क्षुधितौ श्रमकर्शितौ । भार्यापती मुनिश्रेष्ठस्तावेती नावलोकयत्
tam anvagacchatāṃ tau ca kṣudhitau śramakarśitau | bhāryāpatī muniśreṣṭhas tāv etī nāvalokayat ||
அரசனும் அரசியும் பசியால் வாடி, உழைப்பால் சோர்ந்திருந்தாலும், முனிவரைத் தொடர்ந்து சென்றனர்; ஆனால் அந்த முனிசிறந்தவர் அந்தத் தம்பதியரை நோக்கி கண் உயர்த்தியும் பார்க்கவில்லை.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores ascetic detachment and the testing of seekers: a great sage may remain outwardly indifferent, compelling those who approach him to cultivate humility, patience, and endurance rather than expecting immediate acknowledgment or comfort.
A husband and wife—identified in context as a royal couple—follow behind a foremost sage despite hunger and exhaustion. The sage, however, does not even look back at them, indicating his strict austerity and emotional restraint.