Shloka 23
Adhyāya 287 — Janaka’s Inquiry on Śreyas, Abhayadāna, and Asaṅga
Non-attachment
शब्दरूपरसस्पर्शान् सह गन्धेन केवलान् । नात्यर्थमुपसेवेत श्रेयसो$र्थी कथंचन
śabda-rūpa-rasa-sparśān saha gandhena kevalān | nātyartham upaseveta śreyaso'rthī kathaṃcana ||
那罗陀说道：求真实福祉者，切莫过度沉溺于感官之境——声、触、色、味与香。对于志求至上之善的人而言，克制对过度享受的贪著，本身就是护持道德与灵性进展的屏障。
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches moderation and restraint: a person aiming at śreyas (lasting welfare) should not overindulge in the five sense-objects (sound, touch, form, taste, smell), because excessive sensory pursuit obstructs ethical steadiness and inner progress.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction-oriented setting, Nārada is delivering counsel on right conduct. Here he emphasizes sense-discipline as a practical rule for one who seeks the highest good.