Shloka 11
Adhyāya 112: Ṛṣyaśṛṅga’s Description of an Exemplary Brahmacārī
Ascetic Presence and Vow-Practice
तच्चाभिह्वत्य परिवर्ततेडसौ वातेरितो वृक्ष इवावघूर्णन् | त॑ प्रेक्षत: पुत्रमिवामराणां प्रीति: परा तात रतिश्षु जाता,उस फल (गेंद) को मारकर वह चारों ओर घूमने लगता था, मानो वृक्ष हवाका झोंका खाकर झूम रहा हो। तात! देवपुत्रके समान उस ब्रह्मचारीको देखते समय मेरे हृदयमें बड़ा प्रेम और आनन्द उमड़ रहा था और मेरी उसके प्रति आसक्ति हो गयी है
tac cābhihatyā parivartate 'sau vāterito vṛkṣa ivāvaghūrṇan | taṁ prekṣataḥ putram ivāmarāṇāṁ prītiḥ parā tāta ratiṣu jātā ||
When he struck that fruit-ball, it would whirl in every direction, like a tree twisting and swaying beneath a gust of wind. Dear child, as I watched that brahmacārin—like a son of the gods—an intense affection surged within me; delight arose, and my heart became attached to him.
ऋष्यशुड्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how powerful perception and admiration can quickly turn into prīti (affection) and rati (attachment). In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such attachment—though natural—can become a binding force that clouds discernment, especially when directed toward someone embodying discipline (a brahmacārin).
The speaker describes a brahmacārin’s striking of a fruit-ball that spins wildly, compared to a wind-tossed tree. Watching his skill and godlike presence, the speaker confesses that strong affection and delight arise, culminating in personal attachment toward him.