Shloka 17
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
पत्तनानि च रम्याणि स्फीतानि नगराणि च | रत्नानि च विचित्राणि पश्यन्नपि न पश्यति
paṭṭanāni ca ramyāṇi sphītāni nagarāṇi ca | ratnāni ca vicitrāṇi paśyann api na paśyati |
Bhīṣma sprach: Auch wenn liebliche Städte und blühende Metropolen in sein Blickfeld traten und auch wenn mancherlei wunderbare Juwelen vor den Augen erschienen, schaute er darauf, als sähe er es nicht. Der Vers preist das ethische Ideal innerer Ungebundenheit: Ist der Geist in Entsagung gegründet, vermag äußerer Glanz weder Gier noch Zerstreuung zu wecken.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True renunciation is shown by non-attachment: even when wealth, beauty, and luxury are directly visible, a disciplined person remains inwardly unmoved, free from desire and possessiveness.
Bhishma describes a renunciate-like figure passing through prosperous towns and cities where splendid jewels are visible; yet, despite looking, he is portrayed as not really 'seeing' them—meaning he does not engage with them through craving or interest.