Shloka 26
Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
वसिष्ठ: कश्यपश्चैव विश्वामित्रो<त्रिरेव च | मार्गान् सर्वान् परिक्रम्य परिश्रान्ता: स्वकर्मभि:
vasiṣṭhaḥ kaśyapaś caiva viśvāmitro ’trir eva ca | mārgān sarvān parikramya pariśrāntāḥ svakarmabhiḥ ||
Sina Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra, at Atri rin—matapos tahakin ang lahat ng landas at mapagod dahil sa mga tungkuling itinakda sa kanila—ay nanghina at napagod nang lubos. Ipinapakita ng taludtod na ang kanilang pagkapagod ay hindi kabiguan, kundi likás na hangganan ng panlabas na pagsisikap, na naghahanda sa kanila upang humingi ng mas mataas na patnubay at linaw tungkol sa pinakadakilang kabutihan.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the greatest sages, after exhausting the range of outward paths and duties, recognize the need for higher discernment. The verse highlights the ethical-spiritual pivot from mere activity (karma) to inquiry and guidance about the highest good.
A group of eminent sages—Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Viśvāmitra, and Atri—have tried many approaches and become weary through their respective works. Their exhaustion signals a transition toward collective consultation and seeking a superior source of instruction (developed in the surrounding verses).