Shloka 2
Chapter 85: Suvarṇasya Janma ca Pradāna-Phalam
The Origin of Gold and the Merit of Gifting
भीष्म उवाच अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । गोभिननपेह संवादं श्रिया भरतसत्तम
bhīṣma uvāca | atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | gobhiḥ śriyā ca bharatasattama saṁvādam ||
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: “Dito rin, O pinakamainam sa angkan ng Bharata, binabanggit ng mga pantas ang isang sinaunang halimbawa—isang lumang salaysay na nasa anyo ng pag-uusap sa pagitan ng Baka at ni Śrī (Lakṣmī).”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma frames his instruction through an authoritative precedent: ethical guidance is strengthened by recalling ancient exemplars (itihāsa). By introducing the Cow–Śrī dialogue, he signals a teaching about how prosperity (Śrī) relates to righteous conduct and social values symbolized by the cow.
Bhishma begins a new illustrative story. Addressing Yudhiṣṭhira, he says that wise people cite an ancient account—specifically a dialogue between the Cow and Śrī (Lakṣmī)—as an example relevant to the topic under discussion.