Shloka 21
Varāha-avatāra: Viṣṇu’s subterranean intervention and the cosmic nāda (Śānti-parva 202)
महत्सु भूतेषु वसन्ति पठच पज्चेद्धियार्थाश्व॒ तथेन्द्रियाणि । सर्वाणि चैतानि मनो5नुगानि बुद्धि मनोडन्वेति मति: स्वभावम्
mahatsu bhūteṣu vasanti pañca pañcendriyārthāś ca tathendriyāṇi | sarvāṇi caitāni mano'nugāni buddhiṁ mano'nveti matiḥ svabhāvam ||
毗湿摩说：五种境与五根，皆住于五大（微细之大种）之中。境、种与根这一切，皆随心而转。心复随智（buddhi）而行；智则以其本性依止于我（Ātman）。故而，伦理的自制当从摄心始：一切经验之域由心统摄，而终归于我。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sense-objects and sense-faculties function under the mind; the mind is guided by the intellect; and the intellect ultimately depends on the Self. Therefore, ethical and spiritual discipline should focus on mastering the mind through discernment rooted in the Self.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and liberation, Bhishma explains to Yudhishthira an inner hierarchy of experience—elements, senses, mind, intellect, and the Self—clarifying how perception and action are coordinated and how one should cultivate self-control.