Shloka 34
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 ||
O Hari, nang matanggap ng brahman ang lahat ng iyon mula sa dāsyu, siya’y nagalak sa kaibuturan. At sa mainam na bahay na yaon, si Gautama ay namuhay nang may ginhawa kasama niya.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.