Shloka 26
बलीन्द्रसंवादः — Kāla, Anityatā, and the Limits of Agency
Mahābhārata 12.217
युक्ते धारणया सम्यक् सतः केचिदुपासते । अभ्यस्यन्ति परं देवं विद्युत्संशब्दिताक्षरम्
bhīṣma uvāca | yukte dhāraṇayā samyak sataḥ kecid upāsate | abhyasyanti paraṁ devaṁ vidyut-saṁśabditākṣaram |
Bhishma disse: Alguns, devidamente disciplinados, adoram o Real (Sat) por meio de uma concentração firme (dhāraṇā). Outros praticam a contemplação do Senhor Supremo—descrito como imperecível e radiante como o relâmpago—buscando o bem mais alto por caminhos diversos, porém sinceros, de disciplina espiritual.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse affirms that sincere seekers approach the highest reality through different disciplines: some worship the Real (sat) via well-formed concentration (dhāraṇā), while others cultivate contemplation of the Supreme, described as radiant and imperishable. It validates multiple yogic-devotional approaches when practiced correctly.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and liberation, Bhishma continues teaching about spiritual practice. He explains that people of different temperaments pursue the ultimate goal through distinct modes of worship and meditation, emphasizing disciplined practice rather than sectarian exclusivity.