Shloka 52
साच्विका राजसाश्षैव तामसा ये च केचन । भावा: कालात्मका: सर्वे प्रवर्तन्ते ह जन्तुषु,सात्विक, राजस और तामस जितने भी भाव हैं, वे सब कालात्मक हैं और कालकी ही प्रेरणासे प्राणियोंको प्राप्त होते हैं
sāttvikā rājasāś caiva tāmasā ye ca kecana | bhāvāḥ kālātmikāḥ sarve pravartante ha jantuṣu ||
Bhishma said: “Whatever dispositions arise in living beings—whether sāttvika, rājasika, or tāmasika, and any others besides—are all rooted in Time. It is Time’s own impulse that sets these inner states in motion within creatures.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that the guṇa-based dispositions (sattva, rajas, tamas) and other mental states in beings are ultimately governed by Kāla (Time). This frames ethical life as occurring within a larger cosmic causality: inner impulses arise due to Time’s operation, so one should cultivate discernment and discipline rather than pride or blame rooted in mere self-attribution.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s opening instruction, Bhishma continues his didactic discourse on dharma and conduct. Here he explains a metaphysical basis for human tendencies: the various dispositions that move creatures are activated by Time, setting the stage for counsel on self-control, responsibility, and right action amid changing inner states.