Shloka 22
Prahlāda–Indra Saṃvāda: Kartṛtva (Agency) and Svabhāva (Nature) in the Causation of Karma
कणकुल्माषपिण्याकशाकयावकसक्तव: | तथा मूलफल भैक्ष्यं पर्यायेणोपयोजयेत्,अन्नके दाने, उड़द, तिलकी खली, साग, जौकी लप्सी, सत्तू, मूल और फल जो कुछ भी भिक्षामें मिल जाय, क्रमश: उसी अन्नसे योगी अपने जीवनका निर्वाह करे
kaṇakulmāṣapiṇyākaśākayāvakasa ktavaḥ | tathā mūlaphala-bhaikṣyaṁ paryāyeṇopayojayet ||
Bhishma said: A yogin should sustain his life by accepting, in due rotation, whatever simple foods come to him by alms—such as grains, pulses, oil-cake, leafy vegetables, barley preparations, parched-flour, and likewise roots and fruits. The ethical emphasis is on restraint, non-indulgence, and contentment with what is obtained without craving or selectiveness.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A yogin should live with disciplined simplicity, taking whatever food is obtained by alms without preference, and using different simple items in rotation—cultivating contentment, non-craving, and steadiness of practice.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and the ascetic/yogic path, Bhishma advises the listener on practical conduct for a yogin—specifically, how to maintain the body through modest alms-food while avoiding indulgence and attachment.