Shloka 46
Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
तस्य चिन्तयतस्तावच्छायाभूतं महाद्युति । तेजो विग्रहवत् तात शरीरमजहात् तदा
tasya cintayatas tāvac chāyābhūtaṃ mahādyuti | tejo vigrahavat tāta śarīram ajahāt tadā ||
当他仍沉浸于思虑之时，一种至为辉耀的存在——似影而非影，却由光辉凝成——显现出分明的形体。那具形的光明随即与他的肉身分离。
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment between the physical body (śarīra) and a subtler, luminous principle (tejas) that can be conceived as distinct. In Śānti Parva’s ethical frame, such insight supports vairāgya (detachment) and steadiness of mind, encouraging one to ground dharma in inner clarity rather than bodily identification.
While the person is deep in contemplation, a great radiance appears as a shadow-like yet embodied form. This formed radiance then departs from the body, marking a dramatic moment of separation between corporeal existence and a manifested subtle power or self-like presence.