Shloka 14
Adhyāya 241: Guṇa-sṛṣṭi, Kṣetrajña-sākṣitva, and Śama through Ātma-jñāna (गुणसृष्टिः, क्षेत्रज्ञसाक्षित्वं, शमः)
द्न्द्ै्न यत्र बाध्यन्ते मानसेन च कर्मणा । समा: सर्वत्र मैत्राश्व॒ सर्वभूतहिते रता:
dvandvaiḥ yatra bādhyante mānasena ca karmaṇā | samāḥ sarvatra maitrāśva sarvabhūtahite ratāḥ ||
Bhishma dit : «Dans cet état atteint, les hommes ne sont plus tourmentés par les paires d’opposés—plaisir et douleur, et autres—ni par les constructions du mental, ni par l’élan des actes passés. Établis là, ils demeurent égaux d’esprit en tout lieu, tiennent tous pour des amis et se vouent au bien de tous les êtres vivants.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that spiritual attainment is marked by freedom from the tyranny of opposites (pleasure/pain), from restless mental fabrications, and from karmic compulsions; the realized person becomes even-minded, universally friendly, and actively committed to the welfare of all beings.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on peace and liberation, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira by describing the qualities of those who have reached a higher state of realization: they are not disturbed by dualities or karmic residues and live with impartiality and compassion toward all.