Shloka 46
Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
तस्य चिन्तयतस्तावच्छायाभूतं महाद्युति । तेजो विग्रहवत् तात शरीरमजहात् तदा
tasya cintayatas tāvac chāyābhūtaṃ mahādyuti | tejo vigrahavat tāta śarīram ajahāt tadā ||
なお思索に沈むそのとき、影のごとくでありながら光輝そのものから成る、至上の輝きの存在が、はっきりとした形を取って現れた。その具現した光は、やがて彼の肉身から離れ出た。
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment between the physical body (śarīra) and a subtler, luminous principle (tejas) that can be conceived as distinct. In Śānti Parva’s ethical frame, such insight supports vairāgya (detachment) and steadiness of mind, encouraging one to ground dharma in inner clarity rather than bodily identification.
While the person is deep in contemplation, a great radiance appears as a shadow-like yet embodied form. This formed radiance then departs from the body, marking a dramatic moment of separation between corporeal existence and a manifested subtle power or self-like presence.