Shloka 9
अध्याय १७८ — प्राणवायुगतिः तथा शारीराग्निव्यवस्था
Adhyāya 178 — The courses of prāṇa-vāyu and the regulation of the bodily fire
न चैवाविहितं शक्यं दक्षेणापीहितुं धनम् । युक्तेन श्रद्धया सम्यगीहां समनुतिष्ठता
na caivāvihitaṃ śakyaṃ dakṣeṇāpīhituṃ dhanam | yuktena śraddhayā samyag īhāṃ samanutiṣṭhatā ||
Bhishma said: Even a capable and clever person cannot obtain wealth that is not allotted to him. Though he applies himself properly—disciplined, faithful, and making sincere effort—what is not destined does not come into his hands. The teaching underscores the limits of human agency and urges steadiness in righteous effort without obsession over outcomes.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should exert oneself rightly and with faith, yet recognize that outcomes—such as gaining wealth—are limited by what is allotted; therefore, do not cling to results or blame oneself for what is not destined.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction-setting, Bhishma continues advising on dharma and practical ethics, explaining to the listener that even skill and sincere effort cannot secure what is not ordained, encouraging balanced effort and inner steadiness.