Shloka 14
Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
छायाभूताय दान्ताय यतते ब्रह्मचारिणे । तान् प्रश्नानब्रवीत् पार्थ मेधावी स धृतव्रत: । गुरु: कुरुकुलश्रेष्ठ सम्यक् सर्वानरिंदम
chāyābhūtāya dāntāya yatate brahmacāriṇe | tān praśnān abravīt pārtha medhāvī sa dhṛtavrataḥ ||
O Pārtha (Arjuna), ang guro na marunong at matatag sa mga panata ay sumagot nang wasto sa lahat ng tanong na iyon. Ang alagad ay lumapit sa guro sa ganap na pagpapasakop—payapa, may pagpipigil-sa-sarili, disiplinado, at tapat sa brahmacarya—naglilingkod nang malapit na tila anino at nagtatanong sa nararapat na paraan. Kaya ang gurong tumutupad sa mga panata ay nagbigay ng tumpak na sagot sa lahat ng itinatanong.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
True learning in the Mahābhārata is grounded in character: the student approaches the teacher with surrender, restraint, and steady service, and asks questions appropriately; in response, a vow-steady, discerning guru gives clear and accurate instruction. The verse highlights that ethical discipline and humility are prerequisites for receiving knowledge.
Vāyudeva addresses Arjuna and describes a model disciple—calm, self-controlled, brahmacārī, and constantly serving the guru like a shadow—who asks proper questions. The teacher, described as wise and firm in vows, then answers all those questions correctly.