Shloka 27
Jñāna-yoga and Karma-phala: Manu–Bṛhaspati on Akṣara and the Limits of Mantra
ज्ञानपूर्वकृतं पापं छादयत्यबहुश्रुत: । नैनं मनुष्या: पश्यन्ति पश्यन्त्येव दिवौकस:
jñānapūrvakṛtaṃ pāpaṃ chādayaty abahuśrutaḥ | nainaṃ manuṣyāḥ paśyanti paśyanty eva divaukasaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: A foolish, poorly learned person tries to conceal a sin committed knowingly. Even if human beings do not notice that wrongdoing, the dwellers of heaven—the gods—certainly see it. The teaching is that deliberate sin cannot truly be hidden, and moral accountability extends beyond human observation.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Deliberate wrongdoing may be concealed from society, but it remains morally real and is seen by higher witnesses (the gods). The verse warns against relying on secrecy and emphasizes accountability beyond human surveillance.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and conduct, Bhīṣma advises Yudhiṣṭhira by highlighting that a person of poor discernment tries to hide intentional sin, yet divine beings perceive it even when humans do not.