Shloka 34
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
महेश्वर उवाच एष वृत्रो महान् शक्र बलेन महता वृतः । विश्वात्मा सर्वगश्नैव बहुमायश्व विश्वुतः
maheśvara uvāca | eṣa vṛtro mahān śakra balena mahatā vṛtaḥ | viśvātmā sarvagaś caiva bahumāyaś ca viśrutaḥ ||
Maheśvara berkata: “Wahai Śakra, Vṛtra yang perkasa ini berdiri di hadapanmu, dikepung bala tentara yang besar. Karena teguh dalam pengetahuan sejati, ia disebut sebagai ‘jiwa semesta’. Ia mampu bergerak ke mana pun menurut kehendaknya, dan termasyhur menguasai banyak ragam māyā—daya siasat dan ilusi.”
महेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames true power as complex: even an enemy in battle may be described as knowledge-grounded (jñāna-niṣṭha), expansive in vision (viśvātmā), and skilled in māyā. Ethically, it cautions against underestimating opponents and suggests that inner attainment and strategic capability can coexist, demanding discernment rather than simplistic moral labeling.
Maheśvara addresses Indra, pointing out that Vṛtra stands before him, protected by a large force. He characterizes Vṛtra as renowned—capable of moving everywhere and wielding many māyās—thereby preparing Indra to recognize the magnitude and unusual qualities of the adversary he faces.