Shloka 17
Tapas as the Root of Attainment (तपः—साधनमूलप्रशंसा)
इदं च रमणीयं ते प्रतिभाति वनस्पते । यदिमे विहगास्तात रमन्ते मुदितास्त्वयि,“तात वनस्पते! तुम्हारे पास यह बड़ा ही रमणीय दृश्य जान पड़ता है कि ये पक्षी तुम्हारी शाखाओंपर बड़े प्रसन्न रहकर रमण कर रहे हैं
idaṃ ca ramaṇīyaṃ te pratibhāti vanaspate | yad ime vihagās tāta ramante muditās tvayi ||
Bhishma berkata: “Wahai tuan rimba yang mulia, satu lagi yang tampak indah padamu—bahawa burung-burung ini, wahai yang dikasihi, bersukaria dan bermain di atasmu, tenang dalam lindunganmu.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical beauty of providing refuge: a worthy support (symbolized by the tree) becomes admirable because living beings can dwell upon it without fear, finding joy and safety. It subtly praises nurturing, non-harming presence as a mark of dharmic excellence.
Bhishma addresses a tree (vanaspati) and points out a pleasing sight: birds are happily playing and resting on its branches. The observation functions as a reflective moment, using natural imagery to underscore values of shelter, peace, and benevolent support.