Shloka 13
उपदेशदोषप्रसङ्गः (Upadeśa-doṣa-prasaṅgaḥ) — The Risk of Misapplied Counsel
अथास्य बुद्धिरभवत् तपस्ये भरतर्षभ । ततोअ<ब्रवीत् कुलपति पादौ संगृह्म भारत,भारत! भरतभूषण! उसके मनमें वहाँ तपस्या करनेका विचार उत्पन्न हुआ; अतः उसने कुलपतिके पैर पकड़कर कहा--
athāsya buddhir abhavat tapasyai bharatarṣabha | tato 'bravīt kulapatiṃ pādau saṃgṛhya bhārata ||
Dijo Bhishma: Entonces surgió en él, oh toro entre los Bharata, el pensamiento de practicar austeridades (tapas) allí mismo. Por ello, asiendo los pies del jefe del eremitorio (kulapati), habló así—
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that true tapas begins with inner resolve (buddhi) and is grounded in humility and proper conduct toward one’s teacher/elder (grasping the kulapati’s feet), presenting ascetic effort as an ethical, disciplined choice.
A character (referred to as ‘he’) decides to perform austerities at that place; he approaches the kulapati, respectfully takes hold of his feet, and then speaks—signaling a request for permission, guidance, or blessing before beginning the practice.