Shloka 16
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
पितुर्वचनमाज्ञाय तमेवार्थ विचिन्तयन् । अध्यानं सो5तिचक्राम खेचर: खे चरज्निव
pitur vacanam ājñāya tam evārthaṁ vicintayan | adhyānaṁ so ’ticakrāma khecaraḥ khe carann iva ||
Bhīṣma said: Having understood and accepted his father’s command, he kept reflecting on that purpose alone. He completed the whole journey on foot, moving across the earth as freely and steadily as a sky-roaming bird moves through the sky—showing disciplined obedience and unwavering focus on what is to be known and done.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as disciplined obedience to a rightful parental command, coupled with single-pointed reflection on one’s purpose. Ethical steadiness is shown not by display, but by sustained, humble effort (walking the whole way) and unwavering focus.
A person, having understood his father’s instruction, sets out and completes the journey on foot while continually contemplating the intended objective. His movement over the earth is compared to a bird’s effortless roaming in the sky, emphasizing freedom of movement joined with inner discipline.