Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 38
वृद्धानां भारतप्तानां स्त्रीणां चक्रधरस्य च । ब्राह्मणानां गवां राज्ञां पन्थानं ददते च ये
vṛddhānāṃ bhārataptānāṃ strīṇāṃ cakradharasya ca | brāhmaṇānāṃ gavāṃ rājñāṃ panthānaṃ dadate ca ye ||
Bhishma said: “Those who respectfully yield the way to the aged, to people burdened by heavy loads, to women, to one bearing a wheel (a cart-driver or charioteer), and likewise to Brahmins, to cows, and to kings—such people are to be regarded as virtuous and well-conducted. The teaching emphasizes public courtesy as a concrete expression of dharma: honoring the vulnerable, the socially revered, and those engaged in essential duties.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is shown through everyday conduct: one should yield the path and show deference to elders, the burdened, women, Brahmins, cows, and rulers. Courtesy and protection of the vulnerable and revered are treated as marks of a sādhū (virtuous person).
In the Anushasana Parva’s instruction on righteous behavior, Bhishma enumerates practical signs of good character. Here he lists categories of people (and sacred/socially honored beings) to whom one should give way on the road, presenting civic respect as a component of dharma.