Shloka 26
Adhyāya 159 — Dāna–Dakṣiṇā, Āpaddharma Measures, and Prāyaścitta Classifications
सर्वोपकारिणो वीरा: सर्वधधर्मानुपालका: । सर्वभूतहिताश्ैव सर्वदेयाश्न भारत
sarvopakāriṇo vīrāḥ sarvadharmānupālakāḥ | sarvabhūtahitāś caiva sarvade(y)āś ca bhārata bharatanandana ||
Bhishma said: “O Bharata, O joy of the Bharata line—true heroes are those who work for the good of all, who uphold every form of dharma, and who wish well to every living being. For the sake of others, they are ready to give away even their entire wealth and life’s possessions.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ‘hero’ is defined ethically, not merely militarily: one who benefits all, protects dharma in its many forms, seeks the welfare of all beings, and is willing to sacrifice everything for others.
In the Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on righteous conduct and governance after the war. Here he characterizes the ideal noble person/hero by universal benevolence, dharma-protection, and complete generosity.