Shloka 2
Śuka’s Nirveda: Vyāsa’s Admonition on Dharma, Impermanence, and ‘Imperishable Wealth’ (अक्षय-धन)
उपासीनमुपासीन: प्रणम्य शिरसा मुनिम् | पश्चादनुमतस्तेन पप्रच्छ वसुमानिदम्
upāsīnam upāsīnaḥ praṇamya śirasā munim | paścād anumatas tena papraccha vasumān idam ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Nang makita niyang nakaupo ang pantas, umupo rin ang prinsipe. Yumuko siya at nagbigay-galang sa muni; at nang makuha niya ang pahintulot ng pantas, si Vasumān ay nagtanong nang ganito—alinsunod sa wastong asal sa paglapit sa guro: may pagpapakumbaba, tamang pag-uugali, at may pahintulot bago magtanong.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models dhārmic approach to learning: one should approach a teacher or sage with humility (praṇāma), appropriate demeanor (sitting respectfully), and only then inquire after receiving permission (anumati).
A prince named Vasumān approaches a seated sage, bows with his head, sits near him, obtains the sage’s consent, and then begins to ask a question that will be stated in the following verses.