Shloka 4
संधेयासंधेय-पुरुषनिर्णयः (Criteria for Allies and Non-Allies) — with the opening of the Gautama narrative
ओऔषधान्यगदादीनि क्रियाश्व विविधास्तथा । तपसैव हि सिद्धान्ति तपोमूलं हि साधनम्,औषध, आरोग्य आदिकी प्राप्ति तथा नाना प्रकारकी क्रियाएँ तपस्यासे ही सिद्ध होती हैं; क्योंकि प्रत्येक साधनकी जड़ तपस्या ही है
oṣadhāny agadādīni kriyāś ca vividhās tathā | tapasaiva hi siddhānti tapomūlaṃ hi sādhanam ||
Bhishma said: Medicines, antidotes, and the many kinds of practical disciplines all reach fulfillment only through austerity; for austerity is the root from which every effective means of attainment draws its power.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
All effective means—whether medical remedies or diverse practices—derive their success from tapas (disciplined austerity). Inner restraint and sustained effort are presented as the foundational power behind any accomplishment.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and right conduct, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira, emphasizing that practical techniques and external aids become truly efficacious when supported by inner discipline (tapas).