Shloka 4
Vyaktāvyakta-Viveka and Nivṛtti as Paramā Gati
Manifest–Unmanifest Discrimination and the Supreme Path of Withdrawal
शिष्य: परममेधावी श्रेयो<र्थी सुसमाहित: । चरणावुपसंगृहा[ स्थित: प्राउजलिरब्रवीत्
śiṣyaḥ paramamedhāvī śreyo'rthī susamāhitaḥ | caraṇāv upasaṅgṛhya sthitaḥ prāñjalir abravīt ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: Isang alagad na may pambihirang talino, naghahangad ng pinakamataas na kabutihan at matatag ang isip, lumapit sa kanyang guro, hinawakan nang may paggalang ang dalawang paa nito bilang pagpupugay, at saka tumayo na magkapatong ang mga palad at nagsalita—sa gayon inihanda ang tagpo para sa magalang na pagtatanong tungkol sa tunay na kapakinabangan at katuwiran ng dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the ethical posture required for learning: a sincere seeker of śreyas approaches knowledge with mental composure, humility, and reverence toward the teacher—suggesting that right conduct and inner discipline are prerequisites for receiving dharmic instruction.
A highly intelligent disciple, intent on true welfare, comes to his teacher, bows by clasping the teacher’s feet, stands with folded hands, and begins to speak—introducing a formal question-and-answer setting typical of dharma instruction in the Śānti Parva.