Shloka 63
Vipula’s Guru-Obedience, Divine Flowers, and the Peril of Others’ Oaths (विपुलोपाख्यानम्—पुष्पप्राप्तिः शपथ-प्रसङ्गश्च)
बले: कुम्भीनसे श्वैव सर्वास्ता योषितो विदु: । जैसे गौएँ नयी-नयी घास चरती हैं
baleḥ kumbhīnasye śvaiva sarvāstā yoṣito viduḥ |
Yudhiṣṭhira berkata: “Para perempuan dikatakan mengetahui dengan baik seni-seni ilusi yang dikaitkan dengan Bali, Kumbhīnasa, Śambara, dan Namuci. Seperti sapi yang terus merumput pada rumput yang selalu baru, demikian pula para wanita ini—demikian klaimnya—terus mengambil pria yang baru dan baru.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a cautionary ethical remark: one should be vigilant about deception and instability in sensual attachments, emphasizing restraint and discernment in personal conduct.
In Anuśāsana-parvan’s didactic setting, Yudhiṣṭhira voices a pointed observation about women’s alleged fickleness and their knowledge of ‘māyā’ (deceptive arts) linked with famed Asura figures, as part of a broader discussion on behavior and morality.