Shloka 5
Tapas as the Root of Attainment (तपः—साधनमूलप्रशंसा)
हिमवन्तं समासाद्य महानासीद् वनस्पति: । वर्षपूगाभिसंवृद्ध: शाखी स्कन्धी पलाशवान्
himavantaṃ samāsādya mahān āsīd vanaspatiḥ | varṣa-pūgābhisaṃvṛddhaḥ śākhī skandhī palāśavān |
Bhīṣma dijo: «Al llegar al Himavat, se alzaba un árbol poderoso. Nutriéndose y fortaleciéndose con el cúmulo de muchos años, era robusto: de tronco firme, ramas extendidas y follaje abundante.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up a moral illustration using a long-grown, flourishing tree: in Śānti Parva such images commonly introduce reflections on how sustained time, proper conditions, and steady growth lead to strength—paralleling the cultivation of dharma, restraint, and stable conduct.
Bhīṣma begins a descriptive episode: at the Himavat there is a huge, ancient, well-nourished tree with a strong trunk, many branches, and rich foliage—an opening scene likely preparing for an allegory or instruction.