Shloka 34
Adhyāya 240: Indriya–Manas–Buddhi–Ātman — The Inner Hierarchy and Restraint (इन्द्रिय-मनस्-बुद्धि-आत्म-क्रमः)
अपि वर्णावकृष्टस्तु नारी वा धर्मकाड्क्षिणी । तावप्येतेन मार्गेण गच्छेतां परमां गतिम्
api varṇāvakṛṣṭas tu nārī vā dharmakāṅkṣiṇī | tāv apy etena mārgeṇa gacchetāṃ paramāṃ gatim | sattvasaṃsevanād dhīro nidrām ucchettum arhati |
Вьяса сказал: Даже человек из варны, которую общество считает «пониженной», или даже женщина, если в сердце своем жаждет исполнять дхарму, может—следуя этому самому пути йоги—достичь высшей цели. Стойкий же, взращивая саттву (ясность и благость), становится способен отсечь сон—то есть одолеть вялость и беспечность.
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
Spiritual attainment is not barred by social status or gender: anyone who genuinely desires dharma can reach the highest goal by the yogic path. Practically, the verse highlights cultivating sattva (clarity and balance) as a means to overcome nidrā—sleep/torpor that obstructs disciplined practice.
In the didactic setting of Śānti Parva, Vyāsa continues instruction on inner discipline and the yogic means to liberation, emphasizing that this path is effective and accessible even to those considered socially disadvantaged, provided they are intent on dharma.