Shloka 23
Adhyāya 287 — Janaka’s Inquiry on Śreyas, Abhayadāna, and Asaṅga
Non-attachment
शब्दरूपरसस्पर्शान् सह गन्धेन केवलान् । नात्यर्थमुपसेवेत श्रेयसो$र्थी कथंचन
śabda-rūpa-rasa-sparśān saha gandhena kevalān | nātyartham upaseveta śreyaso'rthī kathaṃcana ||
Disse Nārada: Aquele que busca o verdadeiro bem-estar jamais deve entregar-se em excesso aos simples objetos dos sentidos—som, tato, forma, sabor e cheiro. Para o aspirante ao bem supremo, a contenção diante do gozo desmedido é, por si só, uma salvaguarda do progresso ético e espiritual.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches moderation and restraint: a person aiming at śreyas (lasting welfare) should not overindulge in the five sense-objects (sound, touch, form, taste, smell), because excessive sensory pursuit obstructs ethical steadiness and inner progress.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction-oriented setting, Nārada is delivering counsel on right conduct. Here he emphasizes sense-discipline as a practical rule for one who seeks the highest good.