Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 1
Sāma (Sāntva) and Dāna: The Brāhmaṇa’s Conciliatory Release from a Rākṣasa
- आदरणीय पुरुषके चरणोंको हाथसे पकड़कर जो नमस्कार किया जाता है
bhīṣma uvāca | evam uktaḥ pratyuvāca maitreyaḥ karmapūjakaḥ | atyantaśrīmati kule jātaḥ prājño bahuśrutaḥ ||
To bow in greeting by taking with one’s hand the feet of a man worthy of honor is called abhivādana; and to join both hands in añjali, touch them to one’s forehead, and incline the head before a venerable man is called praṇāma. Bhīṣma said: Thus addressed, Maitreya—devoted to the worship of righteous action—replied. Born in a most prosperous lineage, he was wise and widely learned.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse introduces Maitreya as a model of dharmic character—devoted to right action, wise, and learned—implying that ethical authority rests on conduct and knowledge rather than mere birth or wealth.
Bhishma reports that after being addressed, the sage Maitreya responds; the line functions as a narrative transition and a brief characterization of Maitreya before his counsel unfolds.