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An analysis of Śāntiparva of Mahābhārata is discussed here. Śāntiparva is considered as the longest parva of Mahābhārata, consisting of didactic treatises over religious and Philosophical views. It consists of Rājadharmānuśāsana Parva, Āpaddharma Parva and Mokṣadharma Parva.

The Rājadharmānuśāsana Parva is the Dharma of the kings. This is depicted as a conversation between Bhīṣma and Yudhiṣṭhira. Besides the story of Karṇa is revealed. Yudhiṣṭhira cursed the women folk due to kunti’s hiding the secret of Karna’s origin is also clearly described. The Āpaddharma Parva and Mokṣadharma Parva are in the form of narratives. The entire narrative ends with the notion that Dharma is the ultimate duty of mankind. Thus Śāntiparva is named the wisdom literature.

Many Gītas are mentioned here. There are included nine Gītas like-Piṅgalagītā which is based on the enlightment dawned on a prostitute. Śampākagītā which is the message of a learned Brāhmin, Śampāka to attain happiness. Maṅkigītā is a narrative of two bullocks of Muni named Maṅki. Bodhyagītā is a brief summary of the talks between Ṛṣi Bodhya and Yayāti. Here six gurus are mentioned: Pingala, osprey, snake, flock of birds, craft men and maiden. Vicakhnugītā appeals for ahimsa. It is a description of king Vickhnu’s to perform a yajña. Hāritagītā like Vickhnu’s gītā emphasizes non-violence. This is associated with Sannyāsāśrama. Vṛtragītā is based on the conversation between Vṛtrāsura and Śukrācārya. Parāśaragītā is the longest Gītā of Śāntiparva , based on the conversation between king Janaka and the Parāśara, Haṃsagītā is the last one in the Śāntiparva giving the message of the mixture of good and evil.

The peculiarities of the four Varṇas are also discussed. At first there were no castes. But later based on their acts various castes sprang up to form varṇās. The colour as well as duties of the four varṇas are mentioned. Along with this the four ashrams like Brahmacaryaṃ, Gārhastyaṃ, Vānaprasthaṃ and Sannyāsaṃ are detailed.

The Yoga Philosophy in the Śāntiparva is detailed. The eight perogressive steps are included along with the Āsanas. The principles of Yoga Philosophy based on the guṇās are discussed. Vidyā and Avidyā are explained based on the twenty four principles. How to practice Yoga is also briefed with meditation. The place of īśvara in Yoga is also emphasized. The Vedānta Philosophy and its components have been discussed in detail.

The Philosophy of the Brahman is the most important conception of Vedānta. Knowledge and ignorance are discussed in the Śāntiparva of Mahābhārata It says that the nature which is subject to creation and destruction is called Avidyā. While Puruṣa (soul) who is freed from attributes of creation and dissolution and who is the twenty four topics or principles is called Vidyā.