Shloka 2
Viṣṇu-sahasranāma—Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Recitation (विष्णोर्नामसहस्रम्)
समानशीलां वीर्येण वसिष्ठस्थ महात्मन: । त्वत्तों धर्मरहस्यानि श्रोतुमिच्छामहे वयम् । यत्ते गुहमतमं भद्ठे तत् प्रभाषितुमरहसि
Bhīṣma uvāca—samānaśīlāṃ vīryeṇa Vasiṣṭhasthāṃ mahātmanaḥ | tvatto dharma-rahasyāni śrotum icchāmahe vayam | yat te guhyatamaṃ bhadre tat prabhāṣitum arhasi ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “O marangal na ginang, kapantay ka sa asal at sa lakas na espirituwal ng dakilang rishi na si Vasiṣṭha. Mula sa iyo nais naming marinig ang mga lihim na simulain ng dharma. Anuman ang itinuturing mong pinakatago at pinakamalalim na dharma—ipahayag mo, aming hinihiling.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True authority to teach dharma is grounded in lived virtue and spiritual strength; therefore the sages request the most subtle (guhyatama) principles of dharma from one recognized as equal to Vasiṣṭha in character and potency.
In Bhīṣma’s narration, sages (along with ancestors and gods) approach Aruṇdhatī—praised as Vasiṣṭha’s equal—and respectfully ask her to reveal the deepest, most confidential understanding of dharma.