Shloka 7
Adhyāya 55 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Hesitation and Bhīṣma’s Authorization of Inquiry
Rājadharma Prelude
सत्यं दानं तप: शौर्य शान्तिर्दाक्ष्यमसम्भ्रम: । यस्मिन्नेतानि सर्वाणि स मां पृच्छतु पाण्डव:
satyam dānaṃ tapaḥ śauryaṃ śāntir dākṣyam asambhramaḥ | yasminn etāni sarvāṇi sa māṃ pṛcchatu pāṇḍavaḥ ||
Wika ni Vaiśampāyana: “Hayaan ninyong ang Pāṇḍava na yaon ang magtanong sa akin—yaong taglay ang katotohanan, pagkakawanggawa, pag-aayuno at pagninilay (tapas), kagitingan, kapanatagan, kahusayan, at di-natitinag na pagpipigil ng loob.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames the ideal moral and royal character: a worthy inquirer (and ruler) is marked by a complete set of virtues—truth, generosity, disciplined austerity, courage, peace, practical competence, and steady composure—suggesting that ethical knowledge is best received and applied by one who embodies these qualities.
In the Śānti Parva’s instructional setting, Vaiśampāyana introduces the qualified questioner: the Pāṇḍava (Yudhiṣṭhira), renowned for these virtues, is invited to ask, preparing the ground for dharma-teachings that follow.