Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 45
वृद्धान् नाभिभवेज्जातु न चैतान् प्रेषयेदिति । नासीन: स्यात् स्थितेष्वेवमायुरस्य न रिष्यते
vṛddhān nābhibhavej jātu na caitān preṣayed iti | nāsīnaḥ syāt sthiteṣv evam āyur asya na riṣyate ||
Bhīṣma said: “One should never at any time insult or overbear the elderly, nor should one order them about for errands. And when they are standing, one should not remain seated oneself. By acting in this manner, a person’s lifespan is not diminished.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Maintain reverence and proper etiquette toward elders: do not demean them, do not treat them as subordinates to be sent on errands, and show physical respect by not remaining seated when they stand; such conduct is praised as protective of one’s well-being and longevity.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma continues giving Yudhiṣṭhira practical rules of righteous conduct (ācāra). Here he specifies social and bodily etiquette toward elders as part of dharma.