Shloka 18

Gṛhastha-vṛtti and Niyama: Models of Householder Livelihood and Discipline (गृहस्थवृत्ति-नियमाः)

Devanagari script

एतत्‌ प्रज्ञामयैर्धीरा निस्तरन्ति मनीषिण: । प्लवैरप्लववन्तो हि कि करिष्यन्त्यचेतस:,बुद्धिमान्‌ और धीर मनुष्य प्रज्ञारूप नौकाओंद्वारा उस कालनदके पार हो जाते हैं। जो वैसी नौकाओंसे रहित हैं, वे अविवेकी मनुष्य क्या करेंगे?

Transliteration

etat prajñāmayair dhīrā nistaranti manīṣiṇaḥ | plavair aplavavanto hi kiṁ kariṣyant acetasaḥ ||

Translation

Thus, the steadfast and discerning cross over (the perilous current of time and worldly danger) by means of boats made of wisdom. But those who have no such boats—men without discernment—what can they possibly do?

Word by Word

एतत्this (state/thing)

प्रज्ञामयैःby wisdom-made (i.e., consisting of wisdom)

धीराḥsteadfast, wise (men)

निस्तरन्तिcross over, pass beyond

मनीषिणःthe thoughtful, sages

प्लवैःby boats/rafts

अप्लववन्तःwithout boats/rafts

हिindeed, for

किम्what?

करिष्यन्तिwill do

अचेतसःunthinking, senseless (men)

Speaker

व्यास उवाच

Characters & Entities

Vyāsa

Dharma Sankata (Moral Dilemma)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Essence)

Philosophical Teaching

Political Layer

Cross References

Meter (Chandas)

Sandhi Notes

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

Wisdom and discernment (prajñā) are the practical means to cross peril and confusion; without inner understanding, a person lacks the very instrument needed to overcome the flood of time, suffering, and moral uncertainty.

What is happening in the narrative?

Vyāsa states a general maxim in the didactic setting of Śānti Parva: the wise, steady-minded people traverse danger by relying on insight, while the undiscerning—lacking that support—are left helpless.