Shloka 23
मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
लोष्टकाज्चनतुल्यार्था: सुहृत्सु दृढबुद्धय: । ये चरन्त्यभिमानानि सृष्टार्थमनुषज्धिण:
loṣṭa-kāñcana-tulyārthāḥ suhṛtsu dṛḍha-buddhayaḥ | ye caranty abhimānāni sṛṣṭārtham anuṣaj-dhiṇaḥ ||
Disse Bhīṣma: Os firmes no entendimento, que consideram um torrão de terra e o ouro de igual valor, permanecem constantes e bem-dispostos entre os amigos. Caminham pela vida sem se apegar à importância do eu, vivendo de acordo com o propósito pelo qual os seres foram postos no mundo—livres de possessividade e orgulho.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises equanimity and inner steadiness: a wise person values gold and a clod alike, remains stable in relationships, and avoids ego-driven pride and possessiveness. Such detachment supports dharmic living and freedom from agitation caused by gain, loss, honor, or insult.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma after the war. Here he describes the marks of the steady-minded and ethically mature person—one who is not swayed by wealth and who does not act from abhimāna (ego), thereby living calmly and rightly in society.