Shloka 31
मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
तत्र दस्युर्धनयुत: सर्ववर्णविशेषवित् । ब्रह्मण्य: सत्यसंधश्न दाने च निरतो5भवत्,उस गाँवमें एक धनी डाकू रहता था, जो समस्त वर्णोकी विशेषताका जानकार था। उसके ह्ृदयमें ब्राह्मणोंके प्रति भक्ति थी। वह सत्यप्रतिज्ञ और दानी था
tatra dasyur dhanayutaḥ sarvavarṇaviśeṣavit | brahmaṇyaḥ satyasaṃdhaś ca dāne ca nirato 'bhavat ||
Dort lebte ein wohlhabender dāsyu, ein Räuber, der die besonderen Pflichten und Eigenschaften aller varṇa kannte. Und doch war er den Brahmanen ergeben, standhaft in der Wahrheit, treu seinen Gelübden und unablässig dem Geben zugewandt.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical qualities—truthfulness, reverence for the virtuous (especially Brahmins), and generosity—can appear even in a person whose occupation is blameworthy. It invites reflection on how dharma is assessed: not only by social label or livelihood, but also by inner commitments and conduct.
Bhishma introduces a character living in a village: a rich bandit who nonetheless knows the distinctions of the varnas and is described as brahmanya (reverent to Brahmins), satyasandha (true to vows), and devoted to charity. This description sets up a subsequent moral or didactic episode about conduct and righteousness.