Shloka 12
Devaśarmā–Vipula Dialogue on Ahorātra–Ṛtu as Moral Witnesses (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४३)
निरिन्द्रिया हुशास्त्राश्न स्त्रियोडनृतमिति श्रुति: । शय्यासनमलंकारमन्नपानमनार्यताम्
nirindriyā huśāstrāśna striyo 'nṛtam iti śrutiḥ | śayyāsanam alaṅkāram annapānam anāryatām ||
Bhīṣma said: “Scriptural tradition declares that certain things lead one away from noble conduct: a life without self-restraint, the misuse or distortion of sacred teaching, women (when approached as objects of indulgence), and untruth. Likewise, indulgence in luxurious beds and seats, excessive ornamentation, and preoccupation with food and drink—these are marks that draw a person toward anāryatā, the state of being ‘un-noble’ in conduct.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma warns that loss of self-restraint and attachment to sensual comforts—along with untruth—undermine ārya (noble) conduct; ethical life requires control of the senses, truthfulness, and moderation.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma continues his instruction on dharma, listing behaviors and indulgences that lead a person away from noble standards and toward anāryatā (ignoble conduct).