Cavana’s Tests of Kuśika and the Queen (अध्याय ५३: च्यवन–कुशिक-परिक्षा)
महातेजस्वी नरेश! इस तरह उन्हें पानीमें रहते बहुत दिन बीत गये। तदनन्तर एक समय मछलियोंसे जीविका चलानेवाले बहुत-से मल्लाह मछली पकड़नेका निश्चय करके जाल हाथमें लिये हुए उस स्थानपर आये ।।
vyāyātā balinaḥ śūrāḥ salileṣv anivartinaḥ | abhyāyayuś ca taṃ deśaṃ niścitā jālakarmaṇi ||
व्यायता बलिनः शूराः सलिलेष्वनिवर्तिनः । अभ्याययुश्च तं देशं निश्चिता जालकर्मणि ॥
भीष्म उवाच
The verse foregrounds steadfast effort and resolve in one’s chosen work: the fishermen are portrayed as industrious, strong, and unflinching in the face of the demanding element (water). Ethically, it highlights determination (niścaya) and disciplined exertion (vyāyāma) as qualities that enable livelihood and action.
After a long period during which certain beings/persons have been staying in the water, a group of fishermen arrives at that very location with nets, intent on fishing. Their approach sets up an impending encounter or discovery at the spot.