Shloka 19
Gautama–Yama Saṃvāda: Mātṛ-Pitṛ-Ṛṇa (Debt to Parents) and Śubha-Loka Attainment
एतत् कारणसामर्थ्य श्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्त्वत: । भवन्तो5पि तपोनित्या ब्रूयुरेतत् समन्विता:
etad kāraṇa-sāmarthyaṁ śrotum icchāmi tattvataḥ | bhavanto 'pi tapo-nityā brūyur etat samanvitāḥ ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Nais kong marinig, sa katotohanan at sa ganap na kaliwanagan, ang tungkol sa sanhi at sa mabisang kapangyarihan nito. Kayo man ay laging nakatuon sa tapas; kaya magtipon kayo nang may pagkakaisa at ipaliwanag ang bagay na ito. Kung ang aking pagtatanong ay nakagagambala sa inyong pagninilay at pagpapakasakit, titigil ako; ngunit kung may panahon para sa pag-uusap, lutasin ninyo ang pag-aalinlangang aking iniharap.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models dharmic inquiry: one should seek the truth about causes and their efficacy, yet do so with humility and consideration—especially not obstructing the spiritual discipline (tapas) of those being questioned.
Bhishma, speaking respectfully to ascetic interlocutors, asks them to explain the true nature of a particular cause and its power. He adds that if his questions interrupt their austerities he will stop, but if they have time, they should confer together and resolve his doubt.