Shloka 18
Gṛhastha-vṛtti and Niyama: Models of Householder Livelihood and Discipline (गृहस्थवृत्ति-नियमाः)
एतत् प्रज्ञामयैर्धीरा निस्तरन्ति मनीषिण: । प्लवैरप्लववन्तो हि कि करिष्यन्त्यचेतस:
etat prajñāmayair dhīrā nistaranti manīṣiṇaḥ | plavair aplavavanto hi kiṁ kariṣyant acetasaḥ ||
ਧੀਰ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਜ्ञ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਜ్ఞਾ-ਰੂਪੀ ਬੇੜਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ (ਕਾਲ-ਨਦੀ) ਪਾਰ ਲੰਘ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਪਰ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਐਸਾ ਬੇੜਾ ਨਹੀਂ—ਉਹ ਅਵਿਵੇਕੀ ਕੀ ਕਰ ਸਕਣਗੇ?
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
Wisdom and discernment (prajñā) are the practical means to cross peril and confusion; without inner understanding, a person lacks the very instrument needed to overcome the flood of time, suffering, and moral uncertainty.
Vyāsa states a general maxim in the didactic setting of Śānti Parva: the wise, steady-minded people traverse danger by relying on insight, while the undiscerning—lacking that support—are left helpless.