Shloka 29
Adhyāya 159 — Dāna–Dakṣiṇā, Āpaddharma Measures, and Prāyaścitta Classifications
कामक्रोधव्यपेता ये निर्ममा निरहंकृता: | सुव्रता: स्थिरमर्यादास्तानुपास्व च पृच्छ च
kāmakrodhavyapetā ye nirmamā nirahaṅkṛtāḥ | suvratāḥ sthiramaryādās tān upāsva ca pṛccha ca ||
Bhīṣma said: Seek the company of those who are free from desire and anger, who are without possessiveness and ego, who observe noble vows, and who keep the boundaries of dharma steady. Serve such great persons, and question them to resolve your doubts.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
To learn dharma, approach exemplars of inner discipline—those free from desire, anger, possessiveness, and ego—serve them with humility, and ask questions to remove doubt. Moral clarity is gained through the guidance of the virtuous and steady-minded.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma counsels the listener (Yudhiṣṭhira in context) on the proper method of seeking ethical and spiritual guidance: keep company with self-controlled, dharma-grounded elders and inquire from them rather than relying on restless passions or pride.