Shloka 16
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
पितुर्वचनमाज्ञाय तमेवार्थ विचिन्तयन् । अध्यानं सो5तिचक्राम खेचर: खे चरज्निव
pitur vacanam ājñāya tam evārthaṁ vicintayan | adhyānaṁ so ’ticakrāma khecaraḥ khe carann iva ||
Bhīṣma dit : Ayant compris et accepté l’ordre de son père, il ne cessa de méditer sur ce seul dessein. Il accomplit tout le voyage à pied, parcourant la terre avec la même liberté et la même constance qu’un oiseau qui erre dans le ciel—manifestant une obéissance disciplinée et une attention inébranlable à ce qu’il faut connaître et accomplir.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as disciplined obedience to a rightful parental command, coupled with single-pointed reflection on one’s purpose. Ethical steadiness is shown not by display, but by sustained, humble effort (walking the whole way) and unwavering focus.
A person, having understood his father’s instruction, sets out and completes the journey on foot while continually contemplating the intended objective. His movement over the earth is compared to a bird’s effortless roaming in the sky, emphasizing freedom of movement joined with inner discipline.