Shloka 16
ध्यानयोगवर्णनम्
Description of the Path of Meditation
सर्व पश्यति यद् दृश्यं मनोयुक्तेन चक्षुषा । मनसि व्याकुले चक्षु: पश्यन्नपि न पश्यति,जो भी दृश्य पदार्थ है, उसे प्राणी तभी देख पाता है जब कि उसकी दृष्टिके साथ मनका संयोग हो। यदि मन व्याकुल हो तो उसकी आँख देखती हुई भी नहीं देख पाती है
sarvaṁ paśyati yad dṛśyaṁ manoyuktena cakṣuṣā | manasi vyākule cakṣuḥ paśyann api na paśyati ||
Bharadvāja said: Whatever is visible is truly perceived only when the eye is joined with the mind. But when the mind is agitated, the eye, though looking, does not really see.
भरद्वाज उवाच
Educational Q&A
Perception is not merely sensory; it requires the mind’s participation. When the mind is restless or distracted, even functioning senses fail to yield true understanding—hence mental steadiness is essential for discernment and right conduct.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, Bharadvāja states a general principle about cognition: the eye perceives objects only when supported by attentive mind; agitation in the mind disrupts perception, illustrating the need for inner composure in learning and ethical judgment.