Vipula’s Guru-Obedience, Divine Flowers, and the Peril of Others’ Oaths (विपुलोपाख्यानम्—पुष्पप्राप्तिः शपथ-प्रसङ्गश्च)
बले: कुम्भीनसे श्वैव सर्वास्ता योषितो विदु: । जैसे गौएँ नयी-नयी घास चरती हैं
baleḥ kumbhīnasye śvaiva sarvāstā yoṣito viduḥ |
Yudhiṣṭhira disse: “Diz-se que as mulheres conhecem bem as artes de ilusão associadas a Bali e a Kumbhīnasa (e a outros semelhantes). Assim como as vacas continuam a pastar relva sempre fresca, do mesmo modo estas mulheres—afirma-se—vão tomando sempre novos homens.”
युधिछिर उवाच
The verse functions as a cautionary ethical remark: one should be vigilant about deception and instability in sensual attachments, emphasizing restraint and discernment in personal conduct.
In Anuśāsana-parvan’s didactic setting, Yudhiṣṭhira voices a pointed observation about women’s alleged fickleness and their knowledge of ‘māyā’ (deceptive arts) linked with famed Asura figures, as part of a broader discussion on behavior and morality.