Shloka 56
Tapas, Tīrtha, and Moral Rehabilitation (Śānti-parva 148)
उपदिष्टो हि मे धर्म: कपोतेन महात्मना । “अब मैं पापसे मुह मोड़कर स्त्री, पुत्र तथा अपने प्यारे प्राणोंका भी परित्याग कर दूँगा। महात्मा कबूतरने मुझे विशुद्ध धर्मका उपदेश दिया है
upadiṣṭo hi me dharmaḥ kapotena mahātmanā |
Bhishma said: “Indeed, the dharma has been taught to me by the great-souled pigeon. Turning away from sin, I shall renounce even wife, son, and my own beloved life-breaths.” In this reflection, the narrative highlights how true righteousness may demand the highest personal sacrifice, and how moral clarity can arise from the example of even a humble creature.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is to be upheld even at the cost of one’s dearest attachments—family and even one’s own life; true righteousness is measured by willingness to sacrifice for what is right.
Bhishma recalls receiving instruction on pure dharma from the example/teaching of a noble pigeon, and he expresses a resolve to turn away from sin and accept extreme renunciation if dharma requires it.