Shloka 11
आचारप्रशंसा
Praise of Ācāra as the Basis of Longevity, Fame, and Prosperity
ये नास्तिका निष्क्रियाश्व गुरुशास्त्राभिलड्घिन: । अधर्मज्ञा दुराचारास्ते भवन्ति गतायुष:,जो नास्तिक, क्रियाहीन, गुरु और शास्त्रकी आज्ञाका उल्लंघन करनेवाले, धर्मको न जाननेवाले और दुराचारी हैं, उन मनुष्योंकी आयु क्षीण हो जाती है
ye nāstikā niṣkriyāś ca guruśāstrābhilaṅghinaḥ | adharmajñā durācārās te bhavanti gatāyuṣaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: Those who deny the sacred order, abandon prescribed duties, and transgress the commands of teachers and the śāstras—who are ignorant of dharma and given to corrupt conduct—such people come to have their lifespan cut short.
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.