Shloka 12
Adhyātma–Adhibhūta–Adhidaivata Correspondences and the Triguṇa Lakṣaṇas (Śānti-parva 301)
स्वर्गस्य च गुणान् कृत्स्नान् दोषान् सर्वाश्च भारत । वेदवादे5पि ये दोषा गुणा ये चापि वैदिका:
svargasya ca guṇān kṛtsnān doṣān sarvāś ca bhārata | vedavāde 'pi ye doṣā guṇā ye cāpi vaidikāḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Ô Bhārata, il faut comprendre pleinement les mérites du ciel comme tous ses défauts ; et de même, jusque dans le discours védique, il faut discerner ce qui est fautif et ce qui est véritablement méritoire selon le Veda. L’enseignement conduit à une sagesse de discernement : ne pas s’attacher aveuglément aux récompenses promises, mais peser les effets et les limites, afin de choisir la voie qui dépasse les plaisirs passagers et mène au bien durable.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse urges discernment: know both the advantages and limitations of heavenly rewards, and likewise evaluate Vedic statements by distinguishing genuine Vedic merit from defects. The ethical thrust is to avoid attachment to promised pleasures and to cultivate wisdom that supports liberation-oriented choice.
In the Śānti Parva dialogue, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on higher dharma and the paths of knowledge. Here he emphasizes critical evaluation of svarga and of Vedic discourse, preparing the listener for a more inward, mokṣa-directed understanding rather than mere fruit-seeking action.