Shloka 10
मातापितृगुरुपूजा-प्रशंसा
Praise of Venerating Mother, Father, and Teacher
नैतानतिशयेज्जातु नात्यश्रीयान्न दूषयेत्,इन तीनोंकी आज्ञाका कभी उल्लंघन न करे, इनको भोजन करानेके पहले स्वयं भोजन न करे, इनपर कोई दोषारोपण न करे और सदा इनकी सेवामें संलग्न रहे। यही सबसे उत्तम पुण्यकर्म है। नृपश्रेष्ठ) इनकी सेवासे तुम कीर्ति, पवित्र यश और उत्तमलोक सब कुछ प्राप्त कर लोगे
na etān atiśayej jātu nātyaśrīyān na dūṣayet |
Bhishma said: “Never, at any time, seek to outshine these persons, nor treat them with contempt or disparage them. Do not violate their rightful authority; do not eat before first feeding them; do not impute faults to them; and remain constantly engaged in their service. This is the highest meritorious conduct. O best of kings, by serving them you will gain renown, purified fame, and the attainment of excellent worlds.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should not compete with, belittle, or accuse those worthy of reverence; instead, honor their authority, feed them first, and remain devoted in service—this is presented as the highest form of merit leading to fame and auspicious spiritual results.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on righteous conduct, Bhishma addresses a king and lays down practical rules of respectful behavior and service toward revered persons, promising both worldly reputation and otherworldly benefit from such conduct.