Shloka 3
Adhyāya 270 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s inquiry on saṃnyāsa; Bhīṣma on calculable time, tamas, and karma
Vṛtra–Uśanā exemplum begins
अधनो ब्राह्मण: कश्रित् कामाद्ू धर्ममवैक्षत । यज्ञार्थ सततोर्डर्थार्थी तपो5तप्यपत दारुणम्
Bhīṣma uvāca — adhano brāhmaṇaḥ kaścit kāmād dharmam avekṣata | yajñārthaṃ satato ’rthārthī tapo ’tapyata dāruṇam ||
Bhishma said: “Once there was a poor Brahmin who, driven by desire, resolved to pursue dharma. Longing constantly for wealth in order to perform a sacrifice, he undertook an exceedingly severe austerity.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the pursuit of dharma can be complicated when it is propelled by kāma (desire). Even a religious aim like performing a yajña may become ethically ambiguous if one’s inner motive is primarily craving for wealth; it invites reflection on purity of intention versus outwardly pious action.
Bhishma introduces a story: a poor Brahmin, wanting to perform a sacrifice but lacking resources, becomes intensely focused on acquiring wealth and therefore undertakes severe austerities to obtain the means.