Shloka 5
स्त्रीस्वभावप्रश्नः — Nārada and Pañcacūḍā on Strī-svabhāva
Anuśāsana-parva 38
न चान्यदिह कर्तव्यं किज्चिदूर्ध्व यथाविधि । गुप्तो गोपायते ब्रह्मा श्रेयो वस्तेन शोभनम्
bhīṣma uvāca | na cānyad iha kartavyaṃ kiñcid ūrdhvaṃ yathāvidhi | gupto gopāyate brahmā śreyo vastena śobhanam ||
Bhishma said: “Here, there is nothing else to be done beyond what is properly enjoined. When protected, the Brahmin (brahma) in turn protects the protector; in that lies what is truly auspicious and excellent. Therefore, for those who follow the ordained order, the highest good comes from safeguarding and serving the Brahmins and upholding one’s own duty.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should not seek duties beyond what is scripturally prescribed; the highest welfare (śreyas) comes from performing one’s ordained dharma and especially from protecting and honoring the Brahmin/sacred knowledge, which is said to reciprocally protect the protector.
Bhishma continues his instruction on righteous conduct, emphasizing a social-ethical principle: uphold prescribed duties and safeguard the Brahmin order (and by extension sacred learning), presenting it as a source of mutual protection and ultimate well-being.