Shloka 12
Utkramaṇa-sthāna and Ariṣṭa-lakṣaṇa: Yājñavalkya’s Instruction on Departure Pathways and Mortality Signs
धार्यते हि त्वया ग्रन्थ उभयोर्वेदशास्त्रयो: । नच ग्रन्थस्य तत्त्वज्ञो यथातत्त्व॑ नरेश्वर
dhāryate hi tvayā grantha ubhayor vedaśāstrayoḥ | na ca granthasya tattvajño yathātattvaṁ nareśvara ||
Wika ni Vasiṣṭha: “Tunay ngang naisaulo mo ang mga teksto ng kapwa Veda at mga śāstra. Ngunit, O hari, hindi mo pa tunay na nalalaman ang tātva—ang pinakadiwa—ng kasulatan ayon sa tunay nitong kalagayan.”
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes between merely retaining sacred texts and truly grasping their essence (tattva). Ethical and dharmic living requires insight into meaning and purpose, not only recitation or textual mastery.
Vasiṣṭha addresses a king and gently rebukes him: although the king has memorized the Veda and śāstras, he lacks correct understanding of their true purport. The scene functions as instruction on how rulers should seek wisdom beyond rote learning.