Shloka 1
Indra–Mataṅga Saṃvāda: On the rarity and responsibilities of Brāhmaṇya (इन्द्र-मतङ्ग संवादः)
/ (दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठका १ श्लोक मिलाकर कुल १०७ श्लोक हैं) अपना छा अर: 2 सप्तविशो<्ध्याय: ब्राह्मणत्वके लिये तपस्या करनेवाले मतड़की इन्द्रसे बातचीत युधिछिर उवाच प्रज्ञाश्रुताभ्यां वृत्तेन शीलेन च यथा भवान् | गुणैश्व विविधै: सर्वर्वयसा च समन्वित:
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | prajñāśrutābhyāṁ vṛttena śīlena ca yathā bhavān | guṇaiś ca vividhaiḥ sarvair vayasa ca samanvitaḥ ||
由提施提罗说：“噢，人中之王，诸义人之最胜者！你具足明辨与学识，端正的行持与良善的品性，又圆满种种德行；并且年岁亦最为尊长。正因你以智慧、洞见与苦行而卓然出众，我向你请问关于达摩之理。在此世间，除你之外，再无他人可使我就一切疑问尽皆请教。”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames dharma-inquiry as grounded in the authority of lived virtue: true guidance is sought from one who unites wisdom (prajñā), learning (śruta), ethical conduct (vṛtta), good character (śīla), and mature experience (vayas).
Yudhiṣṭhira respectfully addresses an elder, praising his virtues and seniority, and declares his intention to ask comprehensive questions about dharma, presenting the addressee as uniquely qualified to answer.