Shloka 26
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
पानमक्षास्तथा नार्यो मृगया गीतवादितम् । एतानि युकक्त्या सेवेत प्रसंगो हृत्र दोषवान्
pānam akṣās tathā nāryo mṛgayā gīta-vāditam | etāni yuktyā seveta prasaṅgo hy atra doṣavān ||
毗湿摩说道：饮酒、掷骰赌博、女色、狩猎，以及歌唱与器乐——皆当以明辨与节制而行；因为一旦沉溺执著、过度牵连，便会成为过失与祸害之源。此处的伦理旨意并非一概否定世间享乐，而是警示：不受约束的贪欲会使之转为败亡的因由。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Worldly pleasures and entertainments become ethically dangerous when they turn into prasaṅga—clinging, obsession, or addiction. Bhīṣma advises measured, discerning engagement (yuktyā), emphasizing restraint over indulgence.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and proper conduct. Here he lists common temptations—drink, gambling, sensual pursuit, hunting, and entertainment—and warns that excessive involvement in them leads to moral and practical harm.