Shloka 20
अध्याय २२० — बलिवासवसंवादः
Bali–Vāsava Dialogue on Kāla and Steadfastness
विक्रम्य घोरे तपसि ब्राह्मण: संशितव्रत: । कालाकाड्क्षी चरेललोकान् निरपाय इवात्मवान्
bhīṣma uvāca | vikramya ghore tapasi brāhmaṇaḥ saṃśitavrataḥ | kālākāṅkṣī carel lokān nirapāya ivātmavān |
Bhīṣma bersabda: “Biarlah seorang Brahmin, teguh dalam ikrar yang telah ditempa rapi, mengerahkan diri dalam tapa yang berat. Dengan penguasaan diri, hendaklah ia mengembara merentas alam-alam sambil menanti waktu yang ditentukan (kematian), hidup seolah-olah melampaui bahaya—teguh, tidak terganggu, dan bebas daripada halangan.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that a disciplined Brahmin should commit to intense austerity with firm vows, cultivate self-mastery, and live steadily—moving through life without being shaken by obstacles—while calmly awaiting the inevitable end appointed by Time.
In the Shanti Parva’s dharma instruction, Bhishma is advising on the ideal conduct of a Brahmin/ascetic: rigorous tapas, unwavering observances, and fearless, untroubled wandering through the world with inner composure.