Shloka 6
कर्मविद्या-भेदः
Karma–Vidyā Distinction: Paths of Bondage and Release
आपम्तत्र प्रतिष्ठन्ति ऊर्मिमत्यो महास्वना: | सर्वमेवेदमापूर्य तिष्ठन्ति च चरन्ति च
āpaṃ tatra pratiṣṭhanti ūrmimatyō mahāsvanāḥ | sarvam evedam āpūrya tiṣṭhanti ca caranti ca ||
आपस्तत्र प्रतिष्ठन्ति ऊर्मिमत्यो महास्वनाः । सर्वमेवेदमापूर्य तिष्ठन्ति च चरन्ति च ॥
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses the image of vast, roaring waters that both ‘stand’ and ‘move’ to suggest the paradox of worldly existence: phenomena appear stable yet are continuously in flux. It invites reflective detachment and discernment—seeing change beneath apparent permanence.
Vyāsa describes a scene of overwhelming waters swelling with loud sound and high waves, flooding everything. The description emphasizes total pervasion and restless motion, creating a powerful natural metaphor within the Shānti Parva’s contemplative discourse.