Shloka 23
Tapovana-praveśaḥ — The King’s Entry into the Sacred Grove and Vision of the Āśrama
कर्माणि च नरव्याप्र धर्मोपेतानि मानवा: । धर्ममेवानुपश्यन्तश्नक्रुर्धर्मपरायणा:,नरश्रेष्ठ) सब मनुष्य धर्मकी ही ओर दृष्टि रखकर धर्ममें ही तत्पर हो धर्मयुक्त कर्मोंका ही अनुष्ठान करते थे
karmāṇi ca naravyāpta dharmopetāni mānavāḥ | dharmam evānupaśyantaś cakruḥ dharmaparāyaṇāḥ ||
And the people, being pervaded by a spirit of human endeavor, performed actions that were in harmony with dharma. Keeping their gaze fixed on dharma alone, they acted with dharma as their highest refuge and aim.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents dharma as the primary lens for life: actions should be performed only when they are consistent with righteousness and duty, and one should remain steadfastly oriented toward dharma as the highest aim.
Vaiśampāyana describes a social condition in which people are portrayed as dharma-centered—performing their works and obligations in a righteous manner, with their attention and commitment directed toward dharma.