Shloka 19
Gautama–Yama Saṃvāda: Mātṛ-Pitṛ-Ṛṇa (Debt to Parents) and Śubha-Loka Attainment
एतत् कारणसामर्थ्य श्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्त्वत: । भवन्तो5पि तपोनित्या ब्रूयुरेतत् समन्विता:
etad kāraṇa-sāmarthyaṁ śrotum icchāmi tattvataḥ | bhavanto 'pi tapo-nityā brūyur etat samanvitāḥ ||
毗湿摩说道：“我愿如实而彻底明了地听闻：此因为何，以及其效力之真实威能。诸君亦恒常修苦行，故请同聚一处，和合一致，为我宣说此事。若我之发问扰乱诸君之修持，我便止息；若尚有论道之时，请解我所举之疑。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models dharmic inquiry: one should seek the truth about causes and their efficacy, yet do so with humility and consideration—especially not obstructing the spiritual discipline (tapas) of those being questioned.
Bhishma, speaking respectfully to ascetic interlocutors, asks them to explain the true nature of a particular cause and its power. He adds that if his questions interrupt their austerities he will stop, but if they have time, they should confer together and resolve his doubt.