Shloka 20
Brāhmaṇa-kṛtya, Āśrama-niyama, and Dāna-prasaṃsā
Duties of the Brāhmaṇa, āśrama discipline, and praise of giving
न मन्त्रबलवीर्येण प्रज्ञया पौरुषेण च | न शीलेन न वृत्तेन तथा नैवार्थसम्पदा । अलभ्यं लभते मर्त्यस्तत्र का परिदेवना
na mantrabalavīryeṇa prajñayā pauruṣeṇa ca | na śīlena na vṛttena tathā naivārthasampadā | alabhyaṃ labhate martyas tatra kā paridevanā ||
قال بهيشما: «ما كان حقًّا غير مُنالٍ لا يناله بشرٌ فانٍ—لا بقوة المانترا، ولا بالقوة والبأس، ولا بالذكاء وبذل الجهد؛ ولا حتى بحسن الخُلُق واستقامة السيرة أو وفرة المال. فإذا كان الشيء لا يُنال، فأيُّ داعٍ للبكاء عليه؟»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches acceptance and non-lamentation: if something is inherently unattainable, no combination of spiritual means (mantras), physical power, intelligence, moral excellence, disciplined conduct, or wealth can secure it; therefore grief over it is irrational and should be relinquished.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction-setting, Bhīṣma continues advising on dharma and inner steadiness, offering a consolatory principle aimed at reducing sorrow: recognize the limits of human agency and cease lamenting what cannot be obtained.