Shloka 24
Prahlāda–Indra Saṃvāda: Kartṛtva (Agency) and Svabhāva (Nature) in the Causation of Karma
प्रवृत्त नोपरुन्धेत शनैरग्निमिवेन्धयेत् । ज्ञानान्वितं तथा ज्ञानमर्कवत् सम्प्रकाशते
pravṛtta noparundheta śanair agnim ivendhayet | jñānānvitaṃ tathā jñānam arkavat samprakāśate ||
Dijo Bhishma: No debe uno obstruir por la fuerza lo que ya ha comenzado; más bien, debe nutrirlo poco a poco, como se aviva el fuego con leña. Del mismo modo, el conocimiento—sostenido por la comprensión y el recto discernimiento—resplandece con claridad, como el sol.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not suppress a wholesome process once it has begun; instead, cultivate it steadily. Knowledge matures through gradual nourishment and, when joined with discernment, becomes radiant and unmistakable—like sunlight.
In Shanti Parva, Bhishma is instructing on dharma and right conduct. Here he uses two images—tending a fire and the sun’s brilliance—to advise patient, incremental strengthening of inner understanding rather than abrupt restraint or force.