Shloka 196
Saṃsāra-Gahana Allegory: The Brāhmaṇa in the Forest and Well (संसारगहन-आख्यान)
अभीष्सति तदा नित्यमतृप्त: स पुन: पुनः । यद्यपि वह संकटमें था तो भी उस मधुको पीते-पीते उसकी तृष्णा शान्त नहीं होती थी। वह सदा अतृप्त रहकर ही बारंबार उसे पीनेकी इच्छा रखता था
abhīṣṣati tadā nityam atṛptaḥ sa punaḥ punaḥ | yadyapi sa saṅkaṭe 'bhavat tathāpi sa madhu-kaṃ pītvā pītvā tasya tṛṣṇā na śāmyati sma | sa sadā atṛpta eva bhūtvā bāraṃbāraṃ tat pātum icchati sma ||
Vidura says: “Then, though he was in distress, he kept craving it again and again. Even as he drank that honey repeatedly, his thirst did not subside. Remaining perpetually unsatisfied, he continued to desire it over and over.” The verse underscores the ethical warning that indulgence in sense-pleasures, even when harmful, breeds further craving rather than contentment.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sense-pleasures do not end craving; repeated indulgence often intensifies desire. Dharma therefore recommends restraint and discernment, especially when one is already in danger or suffering.
Vidura describes a person who, despite being in a perilous situation, keeps drinking honey. The sweetness fails to satisfy; instead, he remains perpetually thirsty and continues to seek more—an image for compulsive attachment.