Shloka 17
कुशवंशवर्णनम्
The Line of Kuśa and the Disfigurement of Kuśanābha’s Daughters by Vāyu
चलं हि यौवनं नित्यं मानुषेषु विशेषत:।अक्षय्यं यौवनं प्राप्ताः अमर्यश्च भविष्यथ।।।।
calaṃ hi yauvanaṃ nityaṃ mānuṣeṣu viśeṣataḥ |
akṣayyaṃ yauvanaṃ prāptāḥ amaryāś ca bhaviṣyatha || 1.32.17 ||
“因为青春本就无常，尤其在人类之中；但若得不朽的青春，你们便将成为不死者。”
At the works of the untiringly blowing Wind-god the lunged maidens laughed and said:
FAQs
The verse illustrates a common adharmic persuasion: appealing to fear of aging and desire for immortality. Dharma teaches that right action is not purchased by boons; it rests on rightful intent and proper conduct.
Vāyu strengthens his proposal by arguing that human youth fades, while he can grant unfading youth and immortality.
The implied virtue is vairāgya-like steadiness—refusing to be swayed by impermanent bodily concerns—soon shown by the maidens.