Shloka 90
युधिछिर उवाच ज्ञान तत्त्वार्थसम्बोध: शमक्षित्तप्रशान्तता | दया सर्वसुखैषित्वमार्जवं समचित्तता,युधिष्ठिर बोले--परमात्मतत्त्वका यथार्थ बोध ही ज्ञान है, चित्तकी शान्ति ही शम है, सबके सुखकी इच्छा रखना ही उत्तम दया है और समचित्त होना ही आर्जव (सरलता) है
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | jñānaṃ tattvārthasambodhaḥ śamaḥ kṣittapraśāntatā | dayā sarvasukhaiṣitvam ārjavaṃ samacittatā ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “True knowledge is the accurate awakening to the real nature and meaning of reality. Self-control (śama) is the settling and pacification of the mind. Compassion is the wish for the happiness of all beings. And straightforwardness (ārjava) is an evenness of mind in all situations.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines four key virtues in practical terms: knowledge as realization of true reality (tattva), self-control as calming the mind, compassion as actively wishing happiness for all, and straightforwardness as equanimity and inner consistency rather than duplicity.
Yudhiṣṭhira is articulating ethical definitions—clarifying what foundational virtues mean in lived conduct—within a dharma-focused dialogue in the Vana Parva, where the exiled Pāṇḍavas reflect on right living and inner discipline.