Shloka 3
परिक्षिद्वृत्तान्तप्रश्नः
Inquiry into Parīkṣit’s Conduct and the Beginnings of His Downfall
वायुभक्षो निराहार: शुष्यन्नहरहर्मुनि: । स ददर्श पितृन् गर्ते लम्बमानानधोमुखान्,वे मुनि वायु पीते और निराहार रहते थे; इसलिये दिन-पर-दिन सूखते चले जाते थे। एक दिन उन्होंने पितरोंको देखा, जो नीचे मुँह किये एक गड्ढेमें लटक रहे थे। उन्होंने खश नामक तिनकोंके समूहको पकड़ रखा था, जिसकी जड़में केवल एक तन््तु बच गया था। उस बचे हुए तन्तुको भी वहीं बिलमें रहनेवाला एक चूहा धीरे-धीरे खा रहा था
vāyubhakṣo nirāhāraḥ śuṣyann ahar-ahar muneḥ | sa dadarśa pitṝn garte lambamānān adhomukhān |
彼牟尼唯以风为食，绝不进食，故日渐枯槁消瘦。忽而他见祖先诸父倒悬于一坑中，在苦厄里挣扎。
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Extreme austerity alone is not the whole of dharma; one must also uphold obligations to one’s lineage and ancestors. The vision of the pitṛs in danger signals that neglect of family continuity and ancestral duties can lead to grave spiritual consequences.
A sage practicing severe fasting and living on air becomes emaciated. In that weakened state he receives a revelatory sight: his ancestors are hanging head-down in a pit, indicating that something essential for their welfare and the family line is failing and requires immediate corrective action.