Shloka 26
बलीन्द्रसंवादः — Kāla, Anityatā, and the Limits of Agency
Mahābhārata 12.217
युक्ते धारणया सम्यक् सतः केचिदुपासते । अभ्यस्यन्ति परं देवं विद्युत्संशब्दिताक्षरम्,इसी तरह कोई तो योगधारणाके द्वारा सगुण ब्रह्मकी उपासना करते हैं और कोई उस परम देवका चिन्तन करते हैं, जो विद्युतके समान ज्योतिर्मय और अविनाशी कहा गया है
bhīṣma uvāca | yukte dhāraṇayā samyak sataḥ kecid upāsate | abhyasyanti paraṁ devaṁ vidyut-saṁśabditākṣaram |
Bhishma said: Some, being properly disciplined, worship the Real through steady concentration (dhāraṇā). Others practice contemplation of the Supreme Lord—described as imperishable and radiant like lightning—seeking the highest good through different but sincere paths of spiritual discipline.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse affirms that sincere seekers approach the highest reality through different disciplines: some worship the Real (sat) via well-formed concentration (dhāraṇā), while others cultivate contemplation of the Supreme, described as radiant and imperishable. It validates multiple yogic-devotional approaches when practiced correctly.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and liberation, Bhishma continues teaching about spiritual practice. He explains that people of different temperaments pursue the ultimate goal through distinct modes of worship and meditation, emphasizing disciplined practice rather than sectarian exclusivity.