Shloka 12
Adhyātma–Adhibhūta–Adhidaivata Correspondences and the Triguṇa Lakṣaṇas (Śānti-parva 301)
स्वर्गस्य च गुणान् कृत्स्नान् दोषान् सर्वाश्च भारत । वेदवादे5पि ये दोषा गुणा ये चापि वैदिका:
svargasya ca guṇān kṛtsnān doṣān sarvāś ca bhārata | vedavāde 'pi ye doṣā guṇā ye cāpi vaidikāḥ ||
ビーシュマは言った。「バーラタよ、天界の功徳を余すところなく、またその過失のすべてをも、完全に理解すべきである。同様に、ヴェーダの言説のうちにあっても、何が瑕疵であり、何がヴェーダに照らして真に功徳であるかを見分けねばならぬ。この教えは、約束された報いに盲従して執着するのではなく、結果と限界を量り、束の間の快楽を超えて永続の善へ向かう道を選び取る、分別の智慧を指し示す。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse urges discernment: know both the advantages and limitations of heavenly rewards, and likewise evaluate Vedic statements by distinguishing genuine Vedic merit from defects. The ethical thrust is to avoid attachment to promised pleasures and to cultivate wisdom that supports liberation-oriented choice.
In the Śānti Parva dialogue, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on higher dharma and the paths of knowledge. Here he emphasizes critical evaluation of svarga and of Vedic discourse, preparing the listener for a more inward, mokṣa-directed understanding rather than mere fruit-seeking action.