Shloka 231
अध्याय ३० — क्रोधदोषाः क्षमाप्रशंसा च
Defects of Anger and the Praise of Forbearance
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । ईश्वरस्य वशे लोकास्तिष्ठन्ते नात्मनो यथा
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | īśvarasya vaśe lokās tiṣṭhante nātmano yathā ||
இங்கேயும் அவர்கள் இந்தப் பழமையான முன்னுதாரணத்தை எடுத்துரைக்கின்றனர்—உலகிலுள்ள உயிர்கள் ஈசுவரின் ஆட்சிக்குள் நிலைத்திருக்கின்றன; தம் சொந்த சுயஇச்சைப்படி அல்ல.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that worldly beings operate within the Lord’s governance; human autonomy is limited. Ethically, it encourages humility, patience, and discernment—acting rightly while recognizing that outcomes are not fully self-determined.
Yudhiṣṭhira introduces an old illustrative story (itihāsa) to support his point. He frames the discussion by asserting that people and events are subject to a higher ruling power, setting up an example meant to guide judgment and conduct.