Shloka 8
Ākiṃcanya–Tyāga Upadeśa
The Instruction on Non-ownership and Renunciation
शालैस्तालैस्तमालैश्व कालागुरुवनैस्तथा । चन्दनस्य च मुख्यस्य पादपैरुपशोभितम् । गिरिप्रस्थेषु रम्येषु तेषु तेषु सुगन्धिषु
śālaiḥ tālaiḥ tamālaiś ca kālāguruvanaiḥ tathā | candanasya ca mukhyasya pādapair upaśobhitam | giriprastheṣu ramyeṣu teṣu teṣu sugandhiṣu ||
毗湿摩说道：那里遍植娑罗、塔罗与多摩罗之树，又有黑沉香（kālāguru）成林，并以最上等的檀香树更添华美。于那一处处可喜的山坡之上——各自散发不同的芬芳——此地仿佛蒙自然厚赐，正宜静观省思，安住于正法之行。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
By depicting a serene, fragrant mountain landscape, the verse supports the Śānti Parva’s ethical emphasis: a mind inclined toward dharma is fostered by calm surroundings, restraint, and a life oriented to peace rather than agitation.
Bhīṣma is describing a beautiful, perfumed mountainous region—rich with śāla, palm, tamāla, agaru, and sandalwood—setting the scene for a discussion where tranquility and reflection are thematically appropriate.