At that moment the ever-wandering, indifferent-natured sage Shukadeva also arrived there. He was self indulgent and free from the bondages of ashramas (phases of life). He was then only sixteen years old but appeared quite radiant and graceful.
Shukadeva was an honorable figure even for the sages who had gathered there as gust themselves. King Parikshit formally welcomed and worshiped Shukadeva and offered him a comfortable seat. King Parikshit then prayed to him, ” O sage, Lord Krishna is definitely pleased with me. That’s why He has sent a great sage like you to save a wretched person like me. So, O Mahatma (the great soul), kindly remove my doubts and guide me regarding the duties of a human-being? What should one acquire and what should one drop?”