Shloka 63
Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
भीष्म उवाच एवमुकक््त्वा गता श्रीस्तु ते च सर्वे युधिष्ठिर । दुर्योधनस्तु पितरं भूय एवाब्रवीद् वच:,भीष्मजी कहते हैं--'युधिष्ठिर! यों कहकर लक्ष्मी तथा वे शील आदि समस्त सदगुण इन्द्रके पास चले गये। इस कथाको सुनकर दुर्योधनने पुनः अपने पितासे कहा --'कौरवनन्दन! मैं शीलका तत्त्व जानना चाहता हूँ। शील जिस तरह प्राप्त हो सके, वह उपाय भी मुझे बताइये”
bhīṣma uvāca evam uktvā gatā śrīs tu te ca sarve yudhiṣṭhira | duryodhanas tu pitaraṃ bhūya evābravīd vacaḥ ||
Bhishma said: “O Yudhiṣṭhira, having spoken thus, Śrī (Fortune) departed, and along with her all those virtues as well. After hearing this account, Duryodhana once again addressed his father, saying: ‘O scion of the Kuru line, I wish to understand the true nature of good conduct (śīla). Tell me also the means by which such conduct may be attained.’”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Prosperity (Śrī) is portrayed as inseparable from virtues; when ethical qualities and good conduct decline, fortune departs as well. The verse frames śīla (character) as a foundational value worth seeking and cultivating through proper means.
Bhīṣma continues narrating to Yudhiṣṭhira: after a prior speech, Śrī and accompanying virtues depart. Hearing this story, Duryodhana turns again to his father and asks to be taught what śīla truly is and how it can be acquired.