Shloka 53
तृष्णाक्षय-उपदेशः
Instruction on the Cessation of Craving
याथातथ्यमविज्ञाय शास्त्राणां शास्त्रदस्यव: । ब्रह्मस्तेना निरारम्भा दम्भभोहवशानुगा:,वे शास्त्रोंके यथार्थ तात्पर्यको न जाननेके कारण शास्त्रदस्यु (शास्त्रोंके अर्थपर डाका डालनेवाले लुटेरे) कहे जाते हैं। सर्वव्यापी ब्रह्मका भी अपलाप करनेके कारण ब्रह्मचोरकी पदवीसे विभूषित होते हैं। शम-दम आदि साधनोंका कभी अनुष्ठान नहीं करते हैं तथा दम्भ और मोहके वशमें पड़े रहते हैं
yāthātathyam avijñāya śāstrāṇāṃ śāstradasyavaḥ | brahmastenā nirārambhā dambhamohavaśānugāḥ ||
याथातथ्यमविज्ञाय शास्त्राणां शास्त्रदस्यवः । ब्रह्मस्तेना निरारम्भा दम्भमोहवशानुगाः ॥
कपिल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Kapila condemns those who misuse scripture: ignorance of its true intent leads to distortion (‘robbery’ of meaning), and denial or misappropriation of Brahman amounts to a deeper spiritual theft. Genuine dharma requires inner disciplines (like śama and dama), not mere display; hypocrisy and delusion obstruct liberation.
In the Śānti Parva’s instructional discourse, Kapila is teaching about right knowledge and authentic practice. He contrasts true understanding and disciplined living with pretended religiosity—criticizing teachers or practitioners who cite scripture while lacking realization and self-control.