Shloka 4
Cavana’s Tests of Kuśika and the Queen (अध्याय ५३: च्यवन–कुशिक-परिक्षा)
निहत्य मान क्रोध॑ च प्रहर्ष शोकमेव च । वर्षाणि द्वादश मुनिर्जलवासे धृतव्रत:,वे अभिमान, क्रोध, हर्ष और शोकका परित्याग करके दृढ़तापूर्वक व्रतका पालन करते हुए बारह वर्षो-तक जलके भीतर रहे
nihātya mānaṁ krodhaṁ ca praharṣa-śokam eva ca | varṣāṇi dvādaśa munir jalavāse dhṛtavrataḥ ||
Bhishma said: Having slain pride and anger, and likewise abandoning elation and grief, the sage—firm in his vow—lived in a watery abode for twelve years, steadfastly observing his discipline.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True discipline begins with inner victory: pride and anger must be ‘killed,’ and even the swings of elation and grief should be relinquished. Steadfastness in vows over time is presented as the mark of ethical and spiritual maturity.
Bhishma describes an exemplary sage who, after renouncing key emotional disturbances, undertakes a severe austerity—dwelling within water for twelve years—while maintaining strict observance of his vow.