Shloka 17
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
पत्तनानि च रम्याणि स्फीतानि नगराणि च | रत्नानि च विचित्राणि पश्यन्नपि न पश्यति
paṭṭanāni ca ramyāṇi sphītāni nagarāṇi ca | ratnāni ca vicitrāṇi paśyann api na paśyati |
Bhīṣma dit : Quand bien même des bourgs délicieux et des cités prospères se présentaient à sa vue, quand bien même des joyaux merveilleux de toutes sortes s’offraient à ses yeux, il les regardait comme s’il ne les voyait pas. Le vers célèbre l’idéal éthique du détachement intérieur : lorsque l’esprit demeure établi dans le renoncement, la splendeur du dehors ne suscite ni convoitise ni diversion.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True renunciation is shown by non-attachment: even when wealth, beauty, and luxury are directly visible, a disciplined person remains inwardly unmoved, free from desire and possessiveness.
Bhishma describes a renunciate-like figure passing through prosperous towns and cities where splendid jewels are visible; yet, despite looking, he is portrayed as not really 'seeing' them—meaning he does not engage with them through craving or interest.