Shloka 63
नलस्य बाहुकत्वेन ऋतुपर्णनगरप्रवेशः
Nala as Bāhuka enters Ṛtuparṇa’s city
अब्भक्षेवायुभक्षैश्ष पत्राहारैस्तथैव च | जितेन्द्रियैर्महा भागै: स्वर्गमार्गदिदृक्षुभि:,वहाँ कुछ तपस्वीलोग केवल जल पीकर रहते थे और कुछ लोग वायु पीकर। कितने ही केवल पत्ते चबाकर रहते थे। वे जितेन्द्रिय महाभाग स्वर्गलोकके मार्गका दर्शन करना चाहते थे
abbhakṣevāyubhakṣaiś ca patrāhārais tathaiva ca | jitendriyair mahābhāgaiḥ svargamārgadidṛkṣubhiḥ ||
Wika ni Bṛhadaśva: Doon ay may mga ascetic na nabubuhay sa tubig lamang, at may iba namang sa hangin umaasa; may ilan ding ngumunguya at nabubuhay sa mga dahon lamang. Mga dakilang pinagpala at may pagpipigil-sa-sarili, hinahangad nilang masilayan ang landas na patungo sa langit.
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights tapas (austerity) and jitendriyatā (mastery over the senses) as disciplines aimed at higher spiritual goals. Ethical emphasis falls on restraint, simplicity, and intentional living, suggesting that inner control is valued as a means to transcend ordinary desires and pursue elevated states (symbolized by ‘the path to heaven’).
Bṛhadaśva describes a scene populated by ascetics practicing varying degrees of austerity—living on water, on air, or on leaves. Their shared motivation is the aspiration to perceive or attain the way to svarga, portraying the forest setting as a place where rigorous spiritual practices are undertaken.