Ahiṃsā as Threefold Restraint (Mind–Speech–Action) and the Ethics of Consumption
युधिछिर उवाच भगवन् सर्वधर्मज्ञ सर्वशास्त्रविशारद | मर्त्यस्य क: सहायो वै पिता माता सुतो गुरु:
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca bhagavan sarvadharmajña sarvaśāstraviśārada | martyasya kaḥ sahāyo vai pitā mātā suto guruḥ ||
尤提希提罗说道:“尊者啊,通晓一切法(dharma),精研诸论典(śāstra)——凡人真正的助伴是谁?是父亲、母亲、儿子,还是师长?”
युधिछिर उवाच
The verse frames an ethical inquiry into the true source of support for a human being. By listing father, mother, son, and guru, it invites reflection on whether worldly relations or spiritual-ethical guidance constitutes one’s real refuge—preparing the ground for a dharma-centered answer about lasting support.
Yudhiṣṭhira respectfully addresses a revered authority on dharma and śāstra and asks a pointed question: among close family ties and the teacher, who is genuinely a mortal’s helper. This functions as a lead-in to instruction on duty, dependence, and the hierarchy of supports in life.