Shloka 18
Vasiṣṭha on Saṃsāra, Guṇas, and Misattributed Agency
Mahābhārata 12.292
अनहश्नाहतां प्राप्ता: सन्त: स्तुत्वा तमेव ह । नतु वृद्धिमिहान्विच्छेत् कर्म कृत्वा जुगुप्सितम्
anahaśnāhatāṁ prāptāḥ santaḥ stutvā tameva ha | na tu vṛddhim ihānvicchet karma kṛtvā jugupsitam ||
帕罗娑罗说道：“即便是不配受敬之人，只要赞颂那位主宰（毗湿奴），也能成为可受供养的圣者，并得以归依于祂。因此，在此世间，若行可憎可责之业，便不应指望任何真正的兴盛与提升。”
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Devotion and sincere praise of Viṣṇu can elevate even those previously unworthy, but one should not expect genuine prosperity or spiritual uplift by engaging in reprehensible conduct; ethical action is essential.
Parāśara is instructing his listener within the Śānti Parva’s dharma-discourse: he cites the transformative power of praising Viṣṇu, then draws a moral conclusion that blameworthy actions cannot be a means to true advancement.