Shloka 231
अध्याय ३० — क्रोधदोषाः क्षमाप्रशंसा च
Defects of Anger and the Praise of Forbearance
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । ईश्वरस्य वशे लोकास्तिष्ठन्ते नात्मनो यथा
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | īśvarasya vaśe lokās tiṣṭhante nātmano yathā ||
Dito rin ay binabanggit nila ang isang sinaunang halimbawa: ang lahat ng nilalang sa daigdig ay nananatili sa ilalim ng pamamahala ng Panginoon, hindi ayon sa sariling malayang kalooban.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that worldly beings operate within the Lord’s governance; human autonomy is limited. Ethically, it encourages humility, patience, and discernment—acting rightly while recognizing that outcomes are not fully self-determined.
Yudhiṣṭhira introduces an old illustrative story (itihāsa) to support his point. He frames the discussion by asserting that people and events are subject to a higher ruling power, setting up an example meant to guide judgment and conduct.