Shloka 9
Adhyāya 287 — Janaka’s Inquiry on Śreyas, Abhayadāna, and Asaṅga
Non-attachment
तांस्तु विप्रस्थितान् दृष्टवा शास्त्रै: शास्त्राभिनन्दिन: । स्वशास्त्रै: परितुष्टाश्न श्रेयो नोपलभामहे
tāṁstu viprasthitān dṛṣṭvā śāstraiḥ śāstrābhinandinaḥ | svaśāstraiḥ parituṣṭāś ca śreyo nopalabhāmahe ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “Ngunit kapag nakikita namin ang mga taong iyon—na bawat isa’y matatag sa sariling aral—na namumuhay ayon sa disiplina ng kani-kanilang kasulatan at pinupuri ang mga iyon; at kapag nakikita naming sila’y kasing-saya sa kanilang paniniwala gaya ng aming kasiyahan sa amin, sumisibol ang pag-aalinlangan sa aming puso. Hindi namin malinaw na matukoy kung ano ang pinakamainam na paraan upang makamtan ang sukdulang kabutihan.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
When many traditions follow their own scriptures sincerely and appear equally content, mere adherence to a particular śāstra does not by itself settle the question of śreyas (the supreme good). The verse frames a disciplined doubt that calls for deeper discernment about what truly leads to ultimate welfare.
Bhīṣma is explaining a situation of intellectual and ethical uncertainty: observing diverse groups devoted to their respective scriptural paths and praising them, he (or the inquirers he represents) becomes unsure which path is best for attaining the highest good, prompting further inquiry into dharma and liberation.