Shloka 34
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
महेश्वर उवाच एष वृत्रो महान् शक्र बलेन महता वृतः । विश्वात्मा सर्वगश्नैव बहुमायश्व विश्वुतः,महेश्वर बोले--इन्द्र! यह महान् वृत्रासुर बड़ी भारी सेनासे घिरा हुआ तुम्हारे सामने खड़ा है। ज्ञाननिष्ठ होनेके कारण यह सम्पूर्ण विश्वका आत्मा है। इसमें सर्वत्र गमन करनेकी शक्ति है। यह अनेक प्रकारकी मायाओंका सुविख्यात ज्ञाता भी है
maheśvara uvāca | eṣa vṛtro mahān śakra balena mahatā vṛtaḥ | viśvātmā sarvagaś caiva bahumāyaś ca viśrutaḥ ||
Maheśvara disse: “Ó Śakra (Indra), este poderoso Vṛtra está diante de ti, cercado por um vasto exército. Firme no verdadeiro conhecimento, diz-se que fez do mundo inteiro o seu próprio ser. Diz-se que pode mover-se por toda parte à vontade, e é renomado por dominar muitos tipos de māyā (poderes ilusórios e ardis estratégicos).”
महेश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames true power as complex: even an enemy in battle may be described as knowledge-grounded (jñāna-niṣṭha), expansive in vision (viśvātmā), and skilled in māyā. Ethically, it cautions against underestimating opponents and suggests that inner attainment and strategic capability can coexist, demanding discernment rather than simplistic moral labeling.
Maheśvara addresses Indra, pointing out that Vṛtra stands before him, protected by a large force. He characterizes Vṛtra as renowned—capable of moving everywhere and wielding many māyās—thereby preparing Indra to recognize the magnitude and unusual qualities of the adversary he faces.