Mahabharata Virata Parva – आत्मानं यः समुद्बध्य कण्ढे बद्ध्वा महाशिलाम

Shloka (श्लोक)

आत्मानं यः समुद्बध्य कण्ढे बद्ध्वा महाशिलाम
समुद्रं परतरेद दॊर्भ्यां तत्र किंनाम पौरुषम

⚡ Quick Meaning

A person who binds themselves to a huge rock and expects to cross the ocean shows folly.

Translations

English Translation

This shloka illustrates the absurdity of attempting the impossible—such as binding oneself to a massive stone and believing one can conquer the ocean. It serves as a metaphor for the misjudgments people make when they do not recognize their limitations and overestimate their capabilities.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक असंभव प्रयासों की बेतुकी को दर्शाता है—जैसे एक विशाल पत्थर से बांधना और समुद्र को पार करने की उम्मीद करना। यह उन गलतियों का रूपक है जो लोग तब करते हैं जब वे अपनी सीमाओं को पहचानने में विफल रहते हैं और अपनी क्षमताओं का अधिक अनुमान लगाते हैं।

Commentary

Context

Found in the Virata Parva, this verse cautions against delusions of grandeur, highlighting the limits of human action when faced with great challenges.

Meaning

The meaning warns individuals against overreaching and encourages them to recognize their potential and limitations in any endeavor they undertake.

Application

This shloka can inspire a grounded approach to goal-setting, urging individuals to pursue ambitions that are aligned with their actual capabilities.