Shloka 11
सर्वशिक्षा श्रुतिधना निपुणा मोक्षदर्शिन: । गतिज्ञा: सर्वभूतानामध्यात्मगतिचिन्तका:
sarvaśikṣā śrutidhanā nipuṇā mokṣadarśinaḥ | gatijñāḥ sarvabhūtānām adhyātmagaticintakāḥ ||
Bhishma said: “Brahmanas are those who instruct all in right conduct and learning. The Veda is their true wealth. Skilled in the disciplines of sacred knowledge, they keep liberation in view; they understand the destinies of all beings and continually reflect on the inner path of the Self.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines the ideal Brahmana by inner and outer qualifications: their true wealth is Vedic revelation (Śruti), they are competent in śāstra, they guide society through teaching, and their knowledge is ultimately oriented toward mokṣa and adhyātma—understanding the spiritual destiny (gati) of beings and reflecting on the Self’s path.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhishma continues instructing Yudhishthira on dharma. Here he characterizes Brahmanas—highlighting their social role as teachers and their spiritual role as contemplatives who keep liberation as the highest aim.