Shloka 163
Adhyāya 159 — Dāna–Dakṣiṇā, Āpaddharma Measures, and Prāyaścitta Classifications
छेत्तार: संशयानां च क्लिश्यन्तीहाल्पबुद्धय: । बहुश्रुत विद्वान् बड़े-बड़े शास्त्रोंकी कण्ठस्थ कर लेते हैं। सबकी शंकाओंका निवारण कर देते हैं; परंतु इस लोभमें फँसकर उनकी बुद्धि मारी जाती है और वे निरन्तर क्लेश उठाते रहते हैं
chettāraḥ saṁśayānāṁ ca kliśyantīhālpabuddhayaḥ | bahuśrutā vidvāṁso 'pi lobhenābhibhavanti te ||
Bhishma said: Even those who are learned and widely read—able to cut through doubts and resolve others’ questions—often suffer here when their understanding is shallow. Caught by greed and the desire for gain or recognition, their discernment becomes clouded, and they continue to endure distress.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Learning and the ability to answer others’ doubts do not by themselves ensure wisdom. If one is driven by lobha (greed for wealth, status, or praise), discernment declines and one remains trapped in ongoing distress; true dharma requires inner restraint and clarity, not mere erudition.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and right conduct, Bhishma warns Yudhishthira about the moral dangers that can accompany scholarship: even renowned experts who resolve others’ questions may themselves become afflicted when greed and shallow judgment overtake them.