Shloka 9
Adhyāya 287 — Janaka’s Inquiry on Śreyas, Abhayadāna, and Asaṅga
Non-attachment
तांस्तु विप्रस्थितान् दृष्टवा शास्त्रै: शास्त्राभिनन्दिन: । स्वशास्त्रै: परितुष्टाश्न श्रेयो नोपलभामहे
tāṁstu viprasthitān dṛṣṭvā śāstraiḥ śāstrābhinandinaḥ | svaśāstraiḥ parituṣṭāś ca śreyo nopalabhāmahe ||
毗湿摩说道：“然而当我们看见那些人——各自牢牢安住于自身教义——依其经典所教而行，且称赞那部经典；又见他们在自己的信念中同样满足，正如我们在我们的信念中满足一般，疑惑便在我心中生起。我们无法清楚判定：通向至善的最高途径究竟是什么。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
When many traditions follow their own scriptures sincerely and appear equally content, mere adherence to a particular śāstra does not by itself settle the question of śreyas (the supreme good). The verse frames a disciplined doubt that calls for deeper discernment about what truly leads to ultimate welfare.
Bhīṣma is explaining a situation of intellectual and ethical uncertainty: observing diverse groups devoted to their respective scriptural paths and praising them, he (or the inquirers he represents) becomes unsure which path is best for attaining the highest good, prompting further inquiry into dharma and liberation.