Shloka 98
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 47 — Arjuna’s Deterrent Declaration
Sañjaya’s Report
अप्येवं नो ब्राह्मणा: सन्ति वृद्धा बहुश्रुता: शीलवन्तः कुलीना: । सांवत्सरा ज्योतिषि चाभियुक्ता नक्षत्रयोगेषु च निश्चयज्ञा:
apyevaṃ no brāhmaṇāḥ santi vṛddhā bahuśrutāḥ śīlavantaḥ kulīnāḥ | sāṃvatsarā jyotiṣi cābhiyuktā nakṣatrayogeṣu ca niścayajñāḥ ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “Tunay, nasa amin din ang matatandang Brahmana—malalalim ang kaalaman sa maraming banal na aralin, may mabuting asal at marangal ang angkan—dalubhasa sa astrolohiya, marunong tumaya ng mabuti at masamang bunga ng taon, at tiyak ang kaalaman sa mga pagsasanib ng mga bituin at mga planeta.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Competent counsel for rulers should rest on learning, ethical character, and tested expertise; Sañjaya highlights that wise, virtuous Brahmins—skilled in interpreting time and omens—are available as reliable advisors.
Sañjaya points out that their side possesses experienced Brahmin elders who are learned and proficient in jyotiṣa, capable of determining yearly outcomes and the effects of stellar configurations—implying that guidance and prognostication are already at hand in the unfolding political crisis.