Shloka 31
Adhyāya 270 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s inquiry on saṃnyāsa; Bhīṣma on calculable time, tamas, and karma
Vṛtra–Uśanā exemplum begins
ततो<5पश्यत चीराणि सूक्ष्माणि द्विजसत्तम: । पार्श्वतो5 भ्याशतो न्यस्तान्यथ निर्वेदमागत:ः
tato 'paśyata cīrāṇi sūkṣmāṇi dvijasattamaḥ | pārśvato 'bhyāśato nyastāny atha nirvedam āgataḥ ||
پھر اس برہمنِ برتر نے اپنے پہلو کے قریب رکھے ہوئے باریک چھال کے لباس دیکھے۔ انہیں دیکھ کر اس پر بے رغبتی اور دنیاوی زندگی سے اکتاہٹ طاری ہو گئی۔
मणिभद्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a simple sign of ascetic life (bark-garments) can awaken nirveda—disenchantment with worldly attachments—suggesting that ethical clarity and inner freedom often begin with recognizing the impermanence and insufficiency of external pursuits.
Maṇibhadra describes a moment where an eminent Brahmin sees fine bark-garments laid nearby; the sight triggers a shift in his inner state, and he becomes filled with dispassion, indicating a turn toward renunciation or a more austere, dharmic path.