Shloka 46
Haṃsa–Sādhya Saṃvāda: Satya, Dama, Kṣamā and the Discipline of Speech
“जो मनुष्य शास्त्रोंक अध्ययन तथा लौकिक अनुभवसे भी ज्ञानसम्पन्न होकर समस्त मानव-जगत्को सारहीन-सा देखता है, वह सब प्रकारसे मुक्त ही है' ।। एतत् श्रुत्वा मम वचो भवांश्वरतु मुक्तवत् गार्हस्थ्ये यदि वा मोक्षे कृता बुद्धिरविक्लवा
bhīṣma uvāca | yo manuṣyaḥ śāstrādhyayana-tathā laukika-anubhavād api jñāna-sampannaḥ san samasta-mānava-jagat sārahīnam iva paśyati, sa sarvathā mukta eva | etat śrutvā mama vaco bhavān varatu muktavat | gārhasthye yadi vā mokṣe kṛtā buddhir aviklavā ||
Bhīṣma said: “One who, enriched in understanding through the study of the śāstras and through worldly experience as well, comes to see the whole human world as though devoid of lasting essence—such a one is, in every way, already free. Having heard these words of mine, conduct yourself like one liberated: whether you remain in the householder’s life (gārhasthya) or turn toward liberation (mokṣa), let your resolve be firm and unshaken.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True freedom arises when knowledge—grounded in both scripture and lived experience—reveals the impermanent, non-essential nature of worldly human pursuits. With that insight, one can live as liberated, whether in household duties or in a direct pursuit of moksha, provided one’s resolve remains steady.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and liberation, Bhishma addresses his listener with counsel: after hearing his teaching, the listener should live with the composure of a liberated person, choosing either the householder path or the path of liberation, but maintaining unwavering discernment.