Shloka 39
ब्राह्मणस्य पूर्वतरा वृत्तिः — The Earlier Ideal Conduct of a Brahmana
River-of-Saṃsāra Metaphor
अहं च त्वं च ये चान्ये भविष्यन्ति सुराधिपा: । ते सर्वे शक्र यास्यन्ति मार्गमिन्द्रशतैर्गतम्
ahaṁ ca tvaṁ ca ye cānye bhaviṣyanti surādhipāḥ | te sarve śakra yāsyanti mārgam indraśatair gatam ||
Bhīṣma berkata: “Wahai Śakra, aku, engkau, dan semua yang lain yang kelak akan ditegakkan pada jawatan tuan para dewa—semuanya akan menempuh jalan yang sama, yang telah dilalui oleh ratusan Indra terdahulu.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the highest divine sovereignty is not permanent; the role of Indra is a succession within cosmic order. Recognizing this fosters humility and detachment from status, emphasizing that offices and powers are transient while dharma and right conduct remain the enduring measure.
Bhīṣma addresses Indra (Śakra), reminding him that many Indras have preceded him and many will follow. He frames Indra’s position as part of an ongoing cycle, indicating that future rulers of the gods will tread the same established course.