Shloka 22
सांख्ययोगभेदः तथा योगबलोपदेशः
Sāṃkhya–Yoga Distinction and Instruction on Yogic Strength
भीष्म उवाच पुरा सो5न्तर्जलगत: स्थाणुभूतो महाव्रत: । वर्षाणामभवद् राजन प्रयुतान्यर्बुदानि च
bhīṣma uvāca purā so 'ntar-jala-gataḥ sthāṇu-bhūto mahā-vrataḥ | varṣāṇām abhavad rājan prayutāny arbudāni ca ||
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: “Noong unang panahon, O hari, ang dakilang asetang may matitibay na panata—si Mahādeva—ay pumasok sa tubig at nanatili roon, hindi gumagalaw na parang haligi. Sa gayon ay ipinagpatuloy niya ang kanyang pag-aayuno at pagninilay sa loob ng maraming sampung libong taon, at maging sa di-mabilang na mga krore pa.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic value of unwavering resolve (dhṛti) and rigorous self-restraint (tapas) as means to spiritual attainment—steadfastness so firm it is likened to a motionless pillar.
Bhishma recounts an ancient episode in which a great vow-holder (understood here as Mahadeva/Shiva) stands submerged in water, perfectly still, performing austerities for an unimaginably long span of time.