Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
तथापि पृच्छतो ब्रूयां ब्रह्मन्नात्मनि चिन्तितम् । भवतो विदुषश्चापि चोदितस्त्वदनुज्ञया ॥ २४ ॥
tathāpi pṛcchato brūyāṁ brahmann ātmani cintitam bhavato viduṣaś cāpi coditas tvad-anujñayā
Bạch bậc Brāhmaṇa cao cả, tuy ngài biết hết mọi điều, ngài vẫn hỏi vì sao lòng tôi đầy ưu tư. Vậy theo mệnh lệnh và với sự cho phép của ngài, tôi xin bày tỏ nguyên nhân đang chất chứa trong tâm.
This verse highlights that sincere questioning draws out realized knowledge; even when the listener is learned, inquiry invites a deeper, heart-reflected teaching.
In the dialogue framework of the Bhagavatam, Śukadeva speaks in response to Parīkṣit’s questions, emphasizing respectful permission and the value of prompting spiritual discourse.
Approach spiritual learning with humility: ask clear questions, seek consent and guidance from qualified teachers, and value teachings that come from inner realization, not just information.