Shloka 13
Cavana’s Tests of Kuśika and the Queen (अध्याय ५३: च्यवन–कुशिक-परिक्षा)
महातेजस्वी नरेश! इस तरह उन्हें पानीमें रहते बहुत दिन बीत गये। तदनन्तर एक समय मछलियोंसे जीविका चलानेवाले बहुत-से मल्लाह मछली पकड़नेका निश्चय करके जाल हाथमें लिये हुए उस स्थानपर आये ।।
vyāyātā balinaḥ śūrāḥ salileṣv anivartinaḥ | abhyāyayuś ca taṃ deśaṃ niścitā jālakarmaṇi ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “O makapangyarihang hari, matapos nilang magpalipas ng maraming araw na namumuhay sa tubig, dumating ang isang panahon na maraming mangingisda—na ang ikinabubuhay ay mula sa isda—ang nagtungo sa mismong pook na iyon, may lambat sa kamay, at matibay ang pasyang maghagis ng mga lambat. Sila’y masisipag, malalakas at matatapang, at hindi umiiwas sa paglusong sa tubig; taglay ang di-natitinag na hangarin sa gawaing pangingisdang-lambat, lumapit sila sa lugar na iyon.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds steadfast effort and resolve in one’s chosen work: the fishermen are portrayed as industrious, strong, and unflinching in the face of the demanding element (water). Ethically, it highlights determination (niścaya) and disciplined exertion (vyāyāma) as qualities that enable livelihood and action.
After a long period during which certain beings/persons have been staying in the water, a group of fishermen arrives at that very location with nets, intent on fishing. Their approach sets up an impending encounter or discovery at the spot.