Mahabharata — Ashvamedhika Parva, Shloka 15
Adhyāya 51: Kṛṣṇa’s Leave-Taking and Departure for Dvārakā (द्वारकागमनानुमति)
तपसश्चानुपूव्येंण फलमूलाशिनस्तथा । त्रैलोक्यं तपसा सिद्धा: पश्यन्तीह समाहिता:
tapasas cānupūrvyena phalamūlāśinas tathā | trailokyaṃ tapasā siddhāḥ paśyantīha samāhitāḥ ||
Wika ni Vāyu: “Gayundin, sa unti-unting pagsasanay ng tapas, at sa pamumuhay sa mga bunga at ugat, ang mga natamong ganap—mga pantas na siddha na pinaging-dalisay ng tapas—ay nananatili rito na may isip na nakatuon, at tuwirang nasasaksihan, ayon sa kaayusan, ang mga katotohanan ng tatlong daigdig. Kaya ang paglilinis ng loob at matatag na pagpipigil ang daan sa mataas na kaalaman.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
True higher perception arises from disciplined tapas practiced gradually, supported by simplicity (such as a fruits-and-roots diet) and sustained mental concentration; spiritual knowledge is presented as the fruit of ethical self-restraint and inner steadiness.
Vāyu explains how perfected sages, through sequential austerities and a restrained ascetic lifestyle, become samāhita (mentally collected) and thereby gain direct insight into the three worlds, describing the mechanism of spiritual accomplishment rather than a physical journey.