Shloka 6
Adhyāya 270 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s inquiry on saṃnyāsa; Bhīṣma on calculable time, tamas, and karma
Vṛtra–Uśanā exemplum begins
सो<5थ सौम्येन मनसा देवानुचरमन्तिके । प्रत्यपश्यज्जलथरं कुण्डधारमवस्थितम्
so ’tha saumyena manasā devānucaram antike | pratyapaśyaj jalatharaṁ kuṇḍadhāram avasthitam ||
ثم، وقد صفا قلبه ولانَتْ نفسه، أبصر قريبًا خادمًا من خدّام الآلهة قائمًا على أهبة الاستعداد، يحمل إناء ماء؛ وكان ذلك كوندَدارا.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical value of saumyatā—gentle, composed mental disposition. Such inner steadiness supports dharmic action and is portrayed as drawing appropriate assistance at the right moment.
Bhīṣma describes that the person in the episode, having become calm-minded, notices a divine attendant nearby who is standing ready with a water-vessel (a pot-bearer), suggesting preparedness for a rite or service.