Shloka 40
अव्यक्त–प्रकृति–इन्द्रियविचारः
The Unmanifest, Prakṛtis, and the Sense-Complex
माता पुत्र: पिता भ्राता भार्या मित्रजनस्तथा | अष्टापदपदस्थाने लक्षमुद्रेव लक्ष्यते
mātā putraḥ pitā bhrātā bhāryā mitra-janās tathā | aṣṭāpada-pada-sthāne lakṣa-mudreva lakṣyate ||
Wika ni Parāśara: “Ina, anak, ama, kapatid, asawa, at maging ang mga kaibigan—kapag naroon ang tunay na pamantayan, sila’y nakikitang parang isang token na pinahiran ng barnis na inilagay sa puwesto kung saan dapat ay gintong barya.” Nagbababala ang taludtod na ang mga ugnayang makamundo, bagaman mahal, ay maaaring magmukhang hungkag kapag tinimbang sa mas mataas na sukatan ng katotohanan at dharma, lalo na kapag ang pagkakapit ang pumalit sa malinaw na pag-unawa.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches discernment: even the closest relationships can become ‘counterfeit’ in value when judged against the true standard of dharma and inner truth. It cautions against mistaking emotional attachment for ultimate worth.
Parāśara is delivering an instructive reflection in the Śānti Parva, using a monetary metaphor—gold coin versus lacquer token—to illustrate how worldly ties may appear inferior or illusory when one’s perspective is aligned with higher ethical and spiritual standards.