Shloka 25
Adhyāya 159 — Dāna–Dakṣiṇā, Āpaddharma Measures, and Prāyaścitta Classifications
दातारो न ग्रहीतारो दयावन्तस्तथैव च । पितृदेवातिथेयाश्र नित्योद्युक्तास्तथैव च
dātāro na grahītāro dayāvantas tathaiva ca | pitṛdeva-atitheyāśrā nityodyuktās tathaiva ca ||
Bhīṣma said: “They are givers, not takers; compassion naturally abides in them. They remain devoted to the service of the gods, the ancestors, and guests, and they are ever intent on performing righteous deeds.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises an ethical ideal: the truly virtuous are defined by giving rather than taking, by innate compassion, and by steady commitment to dharmic duties—especially honoring gods, ancestors, and guests.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma after the war. Here he characterizes the conduct of exemplary people, describing their generosity, mercy, and constant readiness for righteous action and service.