Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 101
Pitṛmātṛtīrtha Greatness & the Discourse on Embodiment: Karma, Birth, Impurity, and Dispassion
समे पथि शनैर्गच्छन्स्खलतीव पदेपदे । सत्यां बुद्धौ न जानाति बोध्यमानो बुधैरपि
same pathi śanairgacchanskhalatīva padepade | satyāṃ buddhau na jānāti bodhyamāno budhairapi
Даже идя медленно по ровной дороге, он спотыкается словно на каждом шагу; ум его прикован к тому, что он считает «истиной», и он не постигает, даже будучи наставляем мудрыми.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Adhyaya 66; commonly framed within the Bhīṣma–Pulastya dialogue in Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गच्छन्स्खलतीव = गच्छन् + स्खलति + इव; पदेपदे = पदे + पदे; बुधैरपि = बुधैः + अपि (विसर्गलोपः)
FAQs
It portrays a person who stumbles even on a smooth road, symbolizing inner confusion or moral/intellectual imbalance despite outwardly favorable conditions.
Because his intellect is rigidly fixed in a presumed ‘truth’ (a mistaken certainty), making him resistant to correction and genuine insight.
Humility and openness to guidance are essential; stubborn attachment to one’s own view can block learning, clarity, and right conduct.