Shloka 15
Durgātitaraṇa—Conduct for Crossing Difficulties (दुर्गातितरणम्)
ये च संशान्तरजस: संशान्ततमसश्ष ये । सत्त्वे स्थिता महात्मानो दुर्गाण्यतितरन्ति ते
ye ca saṁśānta-rajasaḥ saṁśānta-tamasaś ca ye | sattve sthitā mahātmāno durgāṇy atitaranti te ||
भीष्म उवाच—ये च संशान्तरजसः संशान्ततमसश्च ये । सत्त्वे स्थिता महात्मानो दुर्गाण्यतितरन्ति ते ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
When rajas (restless passion) and tamas (deluding inertia) are pacified and one is established in sattva (clarity and purity), a person gains the inner steadiness needed to overcome even severe external difficulties. The verse links ethical-spiritual refinement with practical strength in adversity.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma is advising on dharma and the cultivation of inner qualities. Here he highlights the transformative effect of mastering the guṇas: the sattvic, purified-minded ‘mahātmā’ can cross formidable dangers that would overwhelm an unsteady mind.