Shloka 55
ब्राह्मणपूजा-राजधर्मः | Royal Duty of Honoring Learned Brahmins
य एष राजा वीर्येण स्वजातिं त्याजितो मया । अनुजानीहि मां ब्रह्मन् ध्यायस्व च शिवेन माम्
ya eṣa rājā vīryeṇa svajātiṃ tyājito mayā | anujānīhi māṃ brahman dhyāyasva ca śivena mām ||
Bhishma said: “This king here has been compelled by me, through my own prowess, to abandon his rightful status and lineage. O Brahmin, grant me leave to depart, and contemplate my welfare—think of me with auspiciousness.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when acting from strength or duty, one must acknowledge the moral weight of causing another’s loss of status or rightful place, and seek auspicious resolution through the counsel and goodwill of the righteous.
Bhishma addresses a Brahmin, referring to a king whom he has forced—by his own martial power—to relinquish his position/lineage-status, and he asks permission to depart while requesting the Brahmin to think of him for his welfare (śiva).