Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 156
Cyavana’s Yogic Display and Kuśika’s Recognition of Tapas (च्यवन-योगप्रभावः कुशिकस्य तपःप्रशंसा च)
स तमाभाष्य राजानमब्रवीद् द्विजसत्तम: । इतनेहीमें फल-मूलका भोजन करनेवाले एक दूसरे वनवासी मुनि, जिनका जन्म गायके पेटसे हुआ था, राजा नहुषके समीप आये और वे द्विजश्रेष्ठ उन्हें सम्बोधित करके कहने लगे--
sa tam ābhāṣya rājānam abravīd dvijasattamaḥ | itanehī me phala-mūlakā bhojana karanevāle eka dūsare vanavāsī muni, jinkā janma gāyake peṭase huā thā, rājā nahuṣake samīpa āye aura ve dvijaśreṣṭha unheṃ sambodhit karke kahane lage—
Wika ni Bhishma: Pagkasabi niya nang gayon sa hari, nagsalita ang pinakadakila sa mga Brahmin. Noon din, dumating malapit kay Haring Nahusha ang iba pang mga muning naninirahan sa gubat—nabubuhay sa prutas at ugat, at sinasabing isinilang mula sa tiyan ng isang baka. Sila’y tinawag ng pinakamahusay sa mga dalawang-ulit na isinilang, at nagsimula siyang magsalita.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical authority of ascetics and the ideal of simplicity (living on fruits and roots), implying that rulers should heed spiritually grounded counsel and remain humble before dharma.
After speaking to the king, a foremost Brahmin continues the discourse; at that moment additional forest sages arrive near King Nahusha, and the Brahmin addresses them, setting up further instruction or admonition.