Shloka 11
Adhyāya 164: Gautama as Guest; Kaśyapa’s Satkāra and the Fourfold Arthagati; Journey to Virūpākṣa
अज्ञानप्रभवो मोह: पापाभ्यासात् प्रवर्तते । यदा प्राज्ञेषु रमते तदा सद्यः प्रणश्यति,मोह अज्ञानसे उत्पन्न होता है और पापकी आवृत्ति करनेसे बढ़ता है। जब मनुष्य विद्वानोंमें अनुराग करता है, तब उसका मोह तत्काल नष्ट हो जाता है
ajñāna-prabhavo mohaḥ pāpābhyāsāt pravartate | yadā prājñeṣu ramate tadā sadyaḥ praṇaśyati ||
Bhīṣma says: Delusion is born of ignorance and is strengthened by repeated indulgence in sin. But when a person takes delight in the company and counsel of the wise, that delusion is destroyed at once—showing that moral clarity grows through right association and disciplined conduct.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Delusion (moha) arises from ignorance and is reinforced by habitual wrongdoing; it is swiftly removed by turning toward the wise—seeking their company, values, and guidance—thereby replacing harmful habits with discernment.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and inner discipline, Bhīṣma is teaching principles of moral psychology: how ignorance and repeated sin generate confusion, and how association with the discerning restores clarity.