Shloka 20
अध्याय २२० — बलिवासवसंवादः
Bali–Vāsava Dialogue on Kāla and Steadfastness
विक्रम्य घोरे तपसि ब्राह्मण: संशितव्रत: । कालाकाड्क्षी चरेललोकान् निरपाय इवात्मवान्
bhīṣma uvāca | vikramya ghore tapasi brāhmaṇaḥ saṃśitavrataḥ | kālākāṅkṣī carel lokān nirapāya ivātmavān |
Bhīṣma dit : «Qu’un brahmane, ferme dans des vœux bien affûtés, s’applique à de rudes austérités. Maître de lui-même, qu’il parcoure les mondes en attendant le temps destiné (de la mort), vivant comme au-delà du danger—stable, sans trouble et sans entraves.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that a disciplined Brahmin should commit to intense austerity with firm vows, cultivate self-mastery, and live steadily—moving through life without being shaken by obstacles—while calmly awaiting the inevitable end appointed by Time.
In the Shanti Parva’s dharma instruction, Bhishma is advising on the ideal conduct of a Brahmin/ascetic: rigorous tapas, unwavering observances, and fearless, untroubled wandering through the world with inner composure.