Shloka 20
Vidyā–Avidyā and the Twenty-Fifth Principle
Sāṃkhya–Yoga Clarification
कौशिकानि च वस्त्राणि शुभान्याभरणानि च । वाहनासनपानानि तत् सर्व तपस: फलम्
kauśikāni ca vastrāṇi śubhāny ābharaṇāni ca | vāhanāsanapānāni tat sarvaṁ tapasaḥ phalam ||
Parāśara said: “Fine garments of kuśa-fibre, auspicious ornaments, and the comforts of conveyances, seats, and drinks—these, all of them, are the fruits that arise from austerity.”
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Tapas (austerity and disciplined practice) produces concrete results—material comforts and auspicious enjoyments. The ethical nuance is that these are secondary fruits of discipline; one should not confuse rewards with the ultimate purpose of spiritual striving.
Parāśara is explaining the outcomes of austerity, listing visible, worldly benefits—fine clothing, ornaments, and comforts like vehicles, seats, and drinks—as examples of what tapas can yield.