Shloka 26
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
पानमक्षास्तथा नार्यो मृगया गीतवादितम् । एतानि युकक्त्या सेवेत प्रसंगो हृत्र दोषवान्
pānam akṣās tathā nāryo mṛgayā gīta-vāditam | etāni yuktyā seveta prasaṅgo hy atra doṣavān ||
भीष्म उवाच— पानमक्षास्तथा नार्यो मृगया गीतवादितम् । एतानि युक्त्या सेवेत प्रसङ्गो ह्यत्र दोषवान् ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Worldly pleasures and entertainments become ethically dangerous when they turn into prasaṅga—clinging, obsession, or addiction. Bhīṣma advises measured, discerning engagement (yuktyā), emphasizing restraint over indulgence.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and proper conduct. Here he lists common temptations—drink, gambling, sensual pursuit, hunting, and entertainment—and warns that excessive involvement in them leads to moral and practical harm.