Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 55
Vānaprastha-dharma and Tapas: Śiva–Umā Saṃvāda
Forest-Stage Discipline and Austerity
निरीक्षेत निराहार ऊर्ध्वबाहुः कृताज्जलि: । तपसा महता युक्त उपवासफलं लभेत्
nirīkṣeta nirāhāra ūrdhvabāhuḥ kṛtāñjaliḥ | tapasā mahatā yukta upavāsaphalaṁ labhet ||
Wika ni Śakra (Indra): “Ang sinumang hindi kumakain, tumatayo na nakataas ang mga bisig at magkadikit ang mga palad sa pagpupugay, at pinananatiling nakatuon ang tingin sa disiplinadong pagninilay—siya, na may dakilang tapas, ay nakakamit ang gantimpalang dulot ng upavāsa (pag-aayuno).”
शक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The merit of fasting (upavāsa-phala) is achieved through disciplined austerity—abstaining from food together with a reverent, restrained posture (raised arms, joined hands) and focused attention—showing that inner intent and tapas are central, not mere bodily deprivation.
Śakra (Indra) is instructing about the efficacy of ascetic observances, describing a specific tapas-like posture and state of fasting, and stating that such disciplined practice yields the spiritual ‘fruit’ associated with upavāsa.