Shloka 52
Śama-prāptiḥ — Gautamī–Lubdhaka–Pannaga–Mṛtyu–Kāla-saṃvāda
Restraint through the Analysis of Karma and Time
साच्विका राजसाश्षैव तामसा ये च केचन । भावा: कालात्मका: सर्वे प्रवर्तन्ते ह जन्तुषु,सात्विक, राजस और तामस जितने भी भाव हैं, वे सब कालात्मक हैं और कालकी ही प्रेरणासे प्राणियोंको प्राप्त होते हैं
sāttvikā rājasāś caiva tāmasā ye ca kecana | bhāvāḥ kālātmikāḥ sarve pravartante ha jantuṣu ||
ಭೀಷ್ಮನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—ಸಾತ್ತ್ವಿಕ, ರಾಜಸ, ತಾಮಸ ಹಾಗೂ ಇನ್ನಾವುದೇ ಭಾವಗಳಿರಲಿ—ಅವೆಲ್ಲವೂ ಕಾಲಸ್ವರೂಪವೇ; ಕಾಲದ ಪ್ರೇರಣೆಯಿಂದಲೇ ಅವು ಜೀವಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರವೃತ್ತಿಯಾಗುತ್ತವೆ.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that the guṇa-based dispositions (sattva, rajas, tamas) and other mental states in beings are ultimately governed by Kāla (Time). This frames ethical life as occurring within a larger cosmic causality: inner impulses arise due to Time’s operation, so one should cultivate discernment and discipline rather than pride or blame rooted in mere self-attribution.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s opening instruction, Bhishma continues his didactic discourse on dharma and conduct. Here he explains a metaphysical basis for human tendencies: the various dispositions that move creatures are activated by Time, setting the stage for counsel on self-control, responsibility, and right action amid changing inner states.