Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 27
अन्नदान-प्रशंसा (Praise of the Gift of Food) | Annadāna-Praśaṃsā
नमस्कार्यास्तिथा विप्रा वर्तमाना यथातथम् । यथासुखं यथोत्साहं ललन्तु त्वयि पुत्रवत्
namaskāryās tathā viprā vartamānā yathātatham | yathāsukhaṃ yathotsāhaṃ lalantu tvayi putravat ||
Bhīṣma said: “Those brāhmaṇas are ever worthy of your reverent salutation. Let them live as they please, in whatever manner suits them. Treat them with the affection one shows to sons, so that, in your care, they may dwell joyfully—at ease and with renewed spirit.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler/householder should continually honor learned brāhmaṇas with respectful salutations and ensure their well-being—granting them freedom to live as they prefer and supporting them with affectionate, protective care, so they remain joyful and spirited.
Bhīṣma, in his instruction on dharma, advises the listener (the king) on proper conduct toward brāhmaṇas: offer reverence, allow them autonomy in their way of life, and provide nurturing support comparable to that given to one’s own children.