मोक्षे गार्हस्थ्यधर्मे वा कि नु श्रेयस्करं भवेत् | तब मुनिश्रेष्ठ देवल पुनः अपनी बुद्धिसे विचार करने लगे, मोक्ष और गार्हस्थ्यधर्म इनमेंसे कौन-सा मेरे लिये श्रेयस्कर होगा ।।
mokṣe gārhasthyadharme vā ki nu śreyaskaraṃ bhavet | iti niścitya manasā devalo rājasattamaḥ ||
毗湿摩波耶那说道:“究竟哪一种更为有益——解脱(mokṣa),还是居家者之法(家住法)?”他在心中作此决断后,圣贤提婆罗又再沉思权衡,辨别何道方能导向至高之善。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the classical Indian ethical inquiry into śreyas (the highest good): whether one should prioritize mokṣa through renunciation or fulfill gārhasthya-dharma as a disciplined, duty-centered path. It presents moral reasoning as essential—one must reflect and decide according to what truly leads to lasting welfare, not merely immediate preference.
Vaiśampāyana reports that the sage Devala is internally deliberating. He reconsiders, with focused mind, which course is superior for him—pursuit of liberation or commitment to the householder’s obligations—setting up a discussion on life-choices and dharma.