Shloka 20
अध्याय १२८: शिव–उमा संवादः — तिलोत्तमा, श्मशान-मेध्यता, तथा चातुर्वर्ण्य-धर्मः
Chapter 128: Śiva–Umā Dialogue—Tilottamā, the Ritual Valence of the Śmaśāna, and the Fourfold Duty-Code
धनबुद्धिश्रुतैहीन: केवल तेजसान्वित: । महत प्रार्थयसे नूनं तेनासि हरिण: कृश:
dhanabuddhiśrutaihīnaḥ kevala-tejasānvitaḥ | mahat prārthayase nūnaṃ tenāsi hariṇaḥ kṛśaḥ ||
धनबुद्धिश्रुतैहीनः केवलं तेजसान्वितः । महत् प्रार्थयसे नूनं तेनासि हरिणः कृशः ॥
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mere physical power (tejas) without the supports of resources, sound judgment, and learning is insufficient for attaining high aims; frustrated ambition can lead to decline, so one should cultivate balanced qualifications and right effort.
A brāhmaṇa addresses someone who appears pale and emaciated, inferring that the person sought a lofty position relying mainly on bodily strength while lacking wealth, intellect, and learning, and that failure has caused visible deterioration.