Shloka 31
Adhyāya 270 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s inquiry on saṃnyāsa; Bhīṣma on calculable time, tamas, and karma
Vṛtra–Uśanā exemplum begins
ततो<5पश्यत चीराणि सूक्ष्माणि द्विजसत्तम: । पार्श्वतो5 भ्याशतो न्यस्तान्यथ निर्वेदमागत:ः
tato 'paśyata cīrāṇi sūkṣmāṇi dvijasattamaḥ | pārśvato 'bhyāśato nyastāny atha nirvedam āgataḥ ||
ततोऽपश्यत चीराणि सूक्ष्माणि द्विजसत्तमः। पार्श्वतोऽभ्याशतो न्यस्तान्यथ निर्वेदमागतः॥
मणिभद्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a simple sign of ascetic life (bark-garments) can awaken nirveda—disenchantment with worldly attachments—suggesting that ethical clarity and inner freedom often begin with recognizing the impermanence and insufficiency of external pursuits.
Maṇibhadra describes a moment where an eminent Brahmin sees fine bark-garments laid nearby; the sight triggers a shift in his inner state, and he becomes filled with dispassion, indicating a turn toward renunciation or a more austere, dharmic path.