Shloka 9
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
भक्तो<नुरक्त: सततमुपवासकृशोडबल: । फलमूलोदकाहार: शान्त: शिष्टाकृतिर्यथा
bhakto 'nuraktaḥ satatam upavāsa-kṛśo 'balāḥ | phala-mūlodakāhāraḥ śāntaḥ śiṣṭākṛtir yathā ||
Bhishma berkata: “Ia adalah pengikut yang berbakti, senantiasa terikat dalam kesetiaan; kurus dan lemah karena puasa. Hanya hidup dari buah, umbi-umbian, dan air, ia tetap menahan diri dan tenteram, berperilaku dengan tata krama orang-orang saleh.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True devotion is shown through disciplined living: austerity (fasting), simplicity of diet, and inner restraint that expresses itself as calmness and cultured conduct.
Bhishma describes a devotee/ascetic figure whose constant devotion leads him to sustained fasting and a minimal diet of fruits, roots, and water; despite physical weakness, he maintains peace of mind and exemplary behavior.