Shloka 52
Śama-prāptiḥ — Gautamī–Lubdhaka–Pannaga–Mṛtyu–Kāla-saṃvāda
Restraint through the Analysis of Karma and Time
साच्विका राजसाश्षैव तामसा ये च केचन । भावा: कालात्मका: सर्वे प्रवर्तन्ते ह जन्तुषु,सात्विक, राजस और तामस जितने भी भाव हैं, वे सब कालात्मक हैं और कालकी ही प्रेरणासे प्राणियोंको प्राप्त होते हैं
sāttvikā rājasāś caiva tāmasā ye ca kecana | bhāvāḥ kālātmikāḥ sarve pravartante ha jantuṣu ||
毗湿摩说：“众生之中生起的一切性情——无论是萨埵（sāttvika）、罗阇（rājasika）、昏暗（tāmasika），或其他任何——皆以时间为根。正是时间自身的推动，使这些内在状态在众生之中运转。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that the guṇa-based dispositions (sattva, rajas, tamas) and other mental states in beings are ultimately governed by Kāla (Time). This frames ethical life as occurring within a larger cosmic causality: inner impulses arise due to Time’s operation, so one should cultivate discernment and discipline rather than pride or blame rooted in mere self-attribution.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s opening instruction, Bhishma continues his didactic discourse on dharma and conduct. Here he explains a metaphysical basis for human tendencies: the various dispositions that move creatures are activated by Time, setting the stage for counsel on self-control, responsibility, and right action amid changing inner states.