Shloka 20
Adhyāya 55 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Hesitation and Bhīṣma’s Authorization of Inquiry
Rājadharma Prelude
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तस्तु भीष्मेण धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर: । विनीतवदुपागम्य तस्थौ संदर्शनेडग्रत:
vaiśampāyana uvāca | evam uktas tu bhīṣmeṇa dharmaputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ | vinītavad upāgamya tasthau saṃdarśane 'grataḥ ||
毗舍波耶那说道：毗湿摩如此开示之后，达摩之子尤提士提罗怀着谦恭走近，在他目光所及之处肃立于前。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models the ethical posture required for receiving dharma-instruction: humility (vinaya), respectful approach to an elder-teacher, and attentive presence. Yudhiṣṭhira’s conduct shows that rightful governance and moral clarity begin with disciplined listening to wise counsel.
After Bhīṣma speaks, Yudhiṣṭhira—called Dharmaputra—goes to him and stands before him in his line of sight, like a humble, well-disciplined person. It marks Yudhiṣṭhira’s readiness to hear Bhīṣma’s extended teachings in the Śānti Parva.