Shloka 26
धर्मसूक्ष्मे त्यागप्रधान्यविचारः
Subtle Dharma and the Primacy of Renunciation
तपसा महदाप्रोति बुद्धया वै विन्दते महत् | त्यागेन सुखमाप्रोति सदा कौन्तेय तत्त्ववित्,कुन्तीनन्दन! तत्त्ववेत्ता पुरुष तपस्याद्वारा महान् पदको प्राप्त कर लेता है, ज्ञानयोगसे उस परमतत्त्वको उपलब्ध कर लेता है और स्वार्थत्यागके द्वारा सदा नित्य सुखका अनुभव करता रहता है
tapasā mahad āpnoti buddhyā vai vindate mahat | tyāgena sukham āpnoti sadā kaunteya tattvavit ||
तपसा महदाप्रोति बुद्धया वै विन्दते महत् । त्यागेन सुखमाप्रोति सदा कौन्तेय तत्त्ववित् ॥
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents a threefold path: disciplined austerity (tapas) leads to exalted attainment, discerning intellect (buddhi) leads to realization of the highest truth, and renunciation (tyāga)—especially giving up selfish attachment—yields enduring happiness.
Within the Śānti Parva’s instruction on right conduct after the war, Yudhiṣṭhira articulates a concise ethical-spiritual principle to a Kuntī’s son (Kaunteya), emphasizing inner discipline, clear understanding, and selfless relinquishment as foundations for peace and lasting well-being.