Shloka 28
Brahma-vidyā: Satya–Tapas and the Enumeration of Tattvas
Arjuna–Vāsudeva framed dialogue
त॑ प्रणम्य महात्मानं सुखासीनं महर्षय: । पप्रच्छुर्विनयोपेता नै:श्रेयसमिदं परम्
taṁ praṇamya mahātmānaṁ sukhāsīnaṁ maharṣayaḥ | papracchur vinayopetā naiḥśreyasam idaṁ param ||
Pagkatapos yumukod sa dakilang kaluluwang iyon na walang bahid-kasalanan at nakaupo nang payapa, ang mga resi—taglay ang kababaang-loob—ay nagtanong tungkol sa naiḥśreyasa, ang pinakamataas na kabutihan: ang sukdulang landas tungo sa ganap na kapakanan at paglaya. Itinatanghal ng tagpo ang isang tanong na etikal: pagod na sa paglalagalag sa maraming landas ng ritwal at pagsasagawa, hinanap nila ang malinaw na patnubay kung ano ang tunay na nagdadala sa pinakamataas na hantungan ng tao.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the proper approach to spiritual knowledge: humility (vinaya) and reverence (praṇāma) precede inquiry into naiḥśreyasa—the highest good. Ethically, it implies that sincere seeking, disciplined conduct, and respect for wisdom are prerequisites for guidance toward liberation.
A group of great sages, seeing a revered great-souled being seated peacefully, first bow to him and then ask about the supreme good. In the broader frame (as reflected in the accompanying prose), the sages—tired of many paths—approach Brahmā to ask what leads to ultimate welfare.