Shloka 11
आचारप्रशंसा
Praise of Ācāra as the Basis of Longevity, Fame, and Prosperity
ये नास्तिका निष्क्रियाश्व गुरुशास्त्राभिलड्घिन: । अधर्मज्ञा दुराचारास्ते भवन्ति गतायुष:
ye nāstikā niṣkriyāś ca guruśāstrābhilaṅghinaḥ | adharmajñā durācārās te bhavanti gatāyuṣaḥ ||
Bhīṣma sprach: Wer die heilige Ordnung leugnet, die vorgeschriebenen Pflichten aufgibt und die Gebote der Lehrer und der Śāstras übertritt—unwissend in Dharma und dem verderbten Wandel ergeben—dessen Lebensspanne wird verkürzt.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that rejecting dharma and śāstric guidance, neglecting one’s duties, and behaving immorally leads to tangible harm—here expressed as a shortening of lifespan—underscoring that ethical discipline sustains both social order and personal well-being.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma. This verse is part of his moral counsel, warning about the consequences for those who disregard teachers and authoritative teachings and live without righteous conduct.