Shloka 13
Adhyāya 353 — Kathā-prāmāṇya (Authority of Transmission) and the Brāhmaṇa’s Ascetic Resolve
एवं हि परमात्मानं केचिदिच्छन्ति पण्डिता: । एकात्मानं तथा55त्मानमपरे ज्ञानचिन्तका:
evaṁ hi paramātmānaṁ kecid icchanti paṇḍitāḥ | ekātmānaṁ tathā ātmānam apare jñānacintakāḥ ||
毗湿摩说道：“因此，有些博学之士欲求证得至上我（Paramātman），视之为与自身有别的存在。另一些人渴望体悟至上者为一我——与自我本体不二。还有一些专注于知识的观行者，则只求认识并获得个体之我。”
पितामह उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse acknowledges multiple legitimate spiritual orientations: some approach the Supreme as transcendent and distinct, some as identical with one’s own Self (non-dual realization), and some focus on realizing the individual self through contemplative knowledge. It frames these as differing aims among the wise rather than outright contradictions.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on peace and liberation, Bhīṣma is teaching about metaphysical goals and spiritual disciplines. Here he classifies seekers by how they conceive and pursue the highest reality—Supreme Self, one Self, or the individual self.