Shloka 3
Gautama–Śakra Saṃvāda: Karma, Loka-bheda, and the Restoration of the Elephant
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । गौतमस्य मुनेस्तात संवादं वासवस्य च
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | gautamasya munes tāta saṁvādaṁ vāsavasya ca ||
یہاں بھی، اے عزیز، ایک قدیم روایت بطور مثال بیان کی جاتی ہے—مُنی گوتم اور واسَوَ (اندَر) کے مکالمے کی۔
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma signals that the ethical point under discussion will be supported by an authoritative precedent: an ancient itihāsa, specifically a dialogue between the sage Gautama and Indra. The method emphasizes learning dharma through time-tested exemplars rather than mere assertion.
Bhīṣma, continuing his instruction, introduces a traditional story as evidence. He tells the listener (addressed as 'tāta') that an old account is cited here—namely, the conversation between Gautama and Vāsava (Indra)—which will be narrated to illuminate the moral issue at hand.