Shloka 9
Adhyāya 302: Guṇa-vicāra, Gati-bheda, and the Imperishable State
Yājñavalkya–Janaka
परमध्यात्मकुशलम ध्यात्मगतिनिश्चयम् । मैत्रावरुणिमासीनमभिवाद्य कृताउ्जलि:
paramādhyātma-kuśalam adhyātma-gati-niścayam | maitrāvaruṇim āsīnam abhivādya kṛtāñjaliḥ ||
毗湿摩说：弥多罗与伐楼那之子婆悉吒，最为精通自我之学，且于灵魂至上归趣之理确立不移。彼时他端坐于座。往昔，号称“迦罗罗”的阇那迦王前来拜谒，合掌致敬，以温和恭谨、无挑剔争辩之辞，如是发问——
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames spiritual inquiry as grounded in adhyātma (Self-knowledge) and niścaya (firm conviction). It highlights that true instruction is sought from one established in inner certainty, and that the seeker should approach with humility, reverence, and a sincere, non-contentious attitude.
Bhīṣma introduces a traditional teaching episode: King Janaka approaches the sage Vasiṣṭha (called Maitrāvaruṇi) who is seated, salutes him with joined palms, and prepares to ask a respectful question in a sweet, courteous, and non-polemical manner.