Shloka 14
Chapter 85: Suvarṇasya Janma ca Pradāna-Phalam
The Origin of Gold and the Merit of Gifting
सत्यं च लोकवादो<यं लोके चरति सुव्रता: । स्वयं प्राप्ते परिभवों भवतीति विनिशक्ष॒य:
Bhīṣma uvāca: satyaṃ ca lokavādo ’yaṃ loke carati suvratāḥ | svayaṃ prāpte paribhavo bhavatīti viniścayaḥ ||
Bhishma said: “This common saying that circulates in the world is indeed true, O you cows of excellent vows: when one goes to another’s house uninvited, one is surely met with disrespect—such is the settled conclusion.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should observe social propriety: going uninvited to someone’s home commonly results in slight or disrespect; therefore restraint and respect for boundaries are part of dharma.
Bhishma addresses a group of cows described as ‘of excellent vows,’ affirming a well-known worldly maxim and using it to frame guidance on proper conduct and the consequences of disregarding social norms.