Shloka 21
अध्याय २९४ — योगलक्षणम् तथा सांख्यपरिसंख्यानम्
Yoga Definition and Sāṃkhya Enumeration
महाकुलेषु ये जाता वृद्धा: पूर्वतराश्न ये । तेषामप्यासुरो भावो हृदयान्नापसर्पति
mahākuleṣu ye jātā vṛddhāḥ pūrvatarāś ca ye | teṣām apy āsuro bhāvo hṛdayān nāpasarpati ||
Dijo Parāśara: Incluso entre los nacidos en grandes linajes—los adelantados en edad y excelencia, e incluso los hombres de generaciones anteriores—la disposición demoníaca no se retiró por completo de sus corazones.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that external markers—high birth, seniority, and social prestige—do not guarantee moral purity. The ‘āsura’ (demonic) tendency can persist unless one actively practices self-restraint, discernment, and dharmic conduct.
Parāśara is instructing his listener within the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, reflecting on human nature and the persistence of unethical impulses even among respected elders and eminent families.