मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
एतत् सम्प्राप्य हृष्टात्मा दस्यो: सर्व द्विजस्तथा । तस्मिन् गृहवरे राजंस्तया रेमे स गौतम:
etat samprāpya hṛṣṭātmā dasyoḥ sarvaṃ dvijas tathā | tasmin gṛhavare rājan tayā reme sa gautamaḥ ||
அரசே! தஸ்யுவிடமிருந்து அவை அனைத்தையும் பெற்ற அந்தப் பிராமணன் உள்ளத்தில் மகிழ்ந்தான்; அந்தச் சிறந்த இல்லத்தில் கௌதமன் அவளுடன் இன்புற வாழ்ந்தான்.
भीष्म उवाच
The verse highlights how easily a person—even one identified as a dvija (brāhmaṇa)—can become inwardly pleased and settle into enjoyment when material comforts and sensual companionship are obtained. In Śānti Parva’s ethical frame, it serves as a caution about attachment (rāga) and the moral vigilance required to uphold dharma amid temptation.
Bhīṣma narrates that the brāhmaṇa Gautama receives all the desired items from a servant-woman and becomes pleased. He then resides in a fine house and lives in enjoyment with her, indicating a shift from restraint to comfort and pleasure.