Shloka 42
Saṃhāra-krama (The Sequence of Cosmic Dissolution) — Yājñavalkya’s Discourse
युधिछिर उवाच आहारान् कीदृशान् कृत्वा कानि जित्वा च भारत । योगी बलमवाप्रोति तद् भवान् वक्तुमहसि
Yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: āhārān kīdṛśān kṛtvā kāni jitvā ca Bhārata | yogī balam avāpnoti tad bhavān vaktum arhasi ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dit : «Ô Bhārata, en adoptant quel régime et en vainquant quels obstacles intérieurs un yogin obtient-il la force spirituelle ? Je te prie de me l’expliquer».
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames yogic attainment as grounded in disciplined living: right regulation of food (āhāra) and victory over inner adversaries (such as senses and passions). Spiritual strength is presented as the fruit of ethical self-mastery rather than mere technique.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and liberation-oriented practices, Yudhiṣṭhira respectfully asks the elder teacher addressed as “Bhārata” to explain the practical disciplines—dietary regulation and the conquests of inner obstacles—by which a yogin gains yogic power/strength.