Shloka 3
अन्नदान-प्रशंसा (Praise of the Gift of Food) | Annadāna-Praśaṃsā
भीष्म उवाच अभयं सर्वभूतेभ्यो व्यसने चाप्यनुग्रह: । यच्चाभिलषितं दद्यात् तृषितायाभियाचते
bhīṣma uvāca: abhayaṁ sarvabhūtebhyo vyasane cāpy anugrahaḥ | yac cābhilaṣitaṁ dadyāt tṛṣitāyābhiyācate ||
Bhishma said: One should grant fearlessness to all beings, and show kindness even in times of distress. And when a thirsty person comes begging, one should give what is desired—according to one’s ability—so that the supplicant’s need is truly relieved.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is expressed through active benevolence: provide safety and non-threat (abhaya) to all beings, remain compassionate even amid hardship, and practice meaningful charity by giving in a way that genuinely meets the petitioner’s need.
In Bhishma’s instruction on righteous conduct (dharma), he lists practical virtues—assuring others of safety, showing compassion during adversity, and giving to those who beg (especially the thirsty), emphasizing concrete, need-based generosity.