Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
भक्तो<नुरक्त: सततमुपवासकृशोडबल: । फलमूलोदकाहार: शान्त: शिष्टाकृतिर्यथा
bhakto 'nuraktaḥ satatam upavāsa-kṛśo 'balāḥ | phala-mūlodakāhāraḥ śāntaḥ śiṣṭākṛtir yathā ||
ଭୀଷ୍ମ କହିଲେ—ସେ ସେଇ ମହାମୁନିଙ୍କର ଭକ୍ତ ଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସଦା ତାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ଅନୁରକ୍ତ ରହୁଥିଲା। ଉପବାସରେ ସେ କୃଶ, ଦୁର୍ବଳ ଓ ନିର୍ବଳ ହୋଇପଡ଼ିଥିଲା। ଫଳ‑ମୂଳ ଓ ଜଳକୁ ମାତ୍ର ଆହାର କରି, ମନକୁ ବଶରେ ରଖି, ଶାନ୍ତ ରହି, ସାଧୁଜନଙ୍କ ପରି ଶିଷ୍ଟ ଆଚରଣ କରୁଥିଲା।
भीष्म उवाच
True devotion is shown through disciplined living: austerity (fasting), simplicity of diet, and inner restraint that expresses itself as calmness and cultured conduct.
Bhishma describes a devotee/ascetic figure whose constant devotion leads him to sustained fasting and a minimal diet of fruits, roots, and water; despite physical weakness, he maintains peace of mind and exemplary behavior.