Shloka 29
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
भ्रातृणां नास्ति सौक्षात्रं येष्वेकस्य पितु: सुताः । राज्यहेतोर्विवदिता: कश्यपस्य सुरासुरा:
bhrātṝṇāṃ nāsti saukṣātraṃ yeṣv ekasya pituḥ sutāḥ | rājyahetor vivaditāḥ kaśyapasya surāsurāḥ ||
Bhishma said: Even among brothers who are sons of the same father, genuine brotherly affection is often not found. The gods and the asuras are both sons of Kashyapa, yet for the sake of sovereignty they remain in continual dispute with one another.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma warns that shared parentage does not guarantee harmony: attachment to power and sovereignty can override natural bonds, so one should restrain ambition and cultivate dharmic self-control to preserve relationships and social order.
In his instruction, Bhishma illustrates a moral point by citing a cosmic example: although devas and asuras share the same father, Kashyapa, they still fight over dominion—showing how the desire for rule breeds conflict even among kin.