Shloka 24
Brahmopadeśa: Adhipatitva-kathana, Dharma-lakṣaṇa, and Kṣetra–Kṣetrajña Viveka
Book 14, Chapter 43
मनसो लक्षण चिन्ता चिन्तोक्ता बुद्धिलक्षणा । मनसा चिन्तितानर्थान् बुद्धया चेह व्यवस्यति
manaso lakṣaṇa-cintā cintoktā buddhi-lakṣaṇā | manasā cintitān arthān buddhyā ceha vyavasyati ||
Vāyu dit : «La fonction distinctive du mental (manas) est de “penser” : elle s’exprime sous forme de pensée. La fonction distinctive de l’intellect (buddhi) est de “déterminer” : ici, l’intellect tranche et établit avec fermeté les sens et les buts que le mental n’avait fait qu’imaginer.»
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes two inner faculties: the mind (manas) generates thoughts and possibilities, while the intellect (buddhi) discriminates and reaches firm determination. Ethical action depends on buddhi governing the mind’s fluctuations through clear decision.
Vāyudeva is explaining an inner, philosophical analysis of cognition—clarifying how mental ideation becomes purposeful resolve—within the broader Ashvamedhika Parva discourse on right understanding and disciplined conduct.