Shloka 21
अध्याय २९४ — योगलक्षणम् तथा सांख्यपरिसंख्यानम्
Yoga Definition and Sāṃkhya Enumeration
महाकुलेषु ये जाता वृद्धा: पूर्वतराश्न ये । तेषामप्यासुरो भावो हृदयान्नापसर्पति
mahākuleṣu ye jātā vṛddhāḥ pūrvatarāś ca ye | teṣām apy āsuro bhāvo hṛdayān nāpasarpati ||
波罗舍罗说道：即便是在出身显赫的族系之人中——那些年高德劭、才德卓越者，乃至更早一代的男子——阿修罗之性也未曾从他们心中全然退去。
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that external markers—high birth, seniority, and social prestige—do not guarantee moral purity. The ‘āsura’ (demonic) tendency can persist unless one actively practices self-restraint, discernment, and dharmic conduct.
Parāśara is instructing his listener within the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, reflecting on human nature and the persistence of unethical impulses even among respected elders and eminent families.