Shloka 26
बलीन्द्रसंवादः — Kāla, Anityatā, and the Limits of Agency
Mahābhārata 12.217
युक्ते धारणया सम्यक् सतः केचिदुपासते । अभ्यस्यन्ति परं देवं विद्युत्संशब्दिताक्षरम्
bhīṣma uvāca | yukte dhāraṇayā samyak sataḥ kecid upāsate | abhyasyanti paraṁ devaṁ vidyut-saṁśabditākṣaram |
Wika ni Bhishma: May ilan na, kapag wastong nadisiplina, ay sumasamba sa Tunay (Sat) sa pamamagitan ng matatag na pagtuon (dhāraṇā). Ang iba nama’y nagsasanay ng pagninilay sa Kataas-taasang Panginoon—na inilalarawang di-nasisira at maningning na gaya ng kidlat—na naghahangad ng pinakamataas na kabutihan sa iba’t ibang ngunit tapat na landas ng espirituwal na disiplina.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse affirms that sincere seekers approach the highest reality through different disciplines: some worship the Real (sat) via well-formed concentration (dhāraṇā), while others cultivate contemplation of the Supreme, described as radiant and imperishable. It validates multiple yogic-devotional approaches when practiced correctly.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and liberation, Bhishma continues teaching about spiritual practice. He explains that people of different temperaments pursue the ultimate goal through distinct modes of worship and meditation, emphasizing disciplined practice rather than sectarian exclusivity.