Shloka 8
Ākiṃcanya–Tyāga Upadeśa
The Instruction on Non-ownership and Renunciation
शालैस्तालैस्तमालैश्व कालागुरुवनैस्तथा । चन्दनस्य च मुख्यस्य पादपैरुपशोभितम् । गिरिप्रस्थेषु रम्येषु तेषु तेषु सुगन्धिषु
śālaiḥ tālaiḥ tamālaiś ca kālāguruvanaiḥ tathā | candanasya ca mukhyasya pādapair upaśobhitam | giriprastheṣu ramyeṣu teṣu teṣu sugandhiṣu ||
Bhishma said: It was adorned with śāla, tāla, and tamāla trees, and likewise with groves of black aloe-wood; and it was further beautified by the finest sandalwood trees. Upon those delightful mountain-slopes—each one fragrant in its own way—the place seemed fit for calm reflection and life in righteousness.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
By depicting a serene, fragrant mountain landscape, the verse supports the Śānti Parva’s ethical emphasis: a mind inclined toward dharma is fostered by calm surroundings, restraint, and a life oriented to peace rather than agitation.
Bhīṣma is describing a beautiful, perfumed mountainous region—rich with śāla, palm, tamāla, agaru, and sandalwood—setting the scene for a discussion where tranquility and reflection are thematically appropriate.