Shloka 14
Adhyāya 166: Kṛtaghna-doṣa (कृतघ्नदोषः) — the fault of ingratitude and the limits of expiation
श्रुतशीले समाज्ञाय वृत्तिमस्य प्रकल्पयेत् । अथीैनं परिरक्षेत पिता पुत्रमिवौरसम्
śrutaśīle samājñāya vṛttim asya prakalpayet | athainaṃ parirakṣeta pitā putram ivaurasam ||
Bhishma said: Having ascertained his learning in the sacred tradition and his character, the king should arrange a suitable means of livelihood for him. Thereafter, he should protect that Brahmin just as a father protects his own legitimate son—thus upholding royal duty through support and guardianship of the worthy.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma includes discerning a Brahmin’s learning and character, providing him an appropriate livelihood, and protecting him with the same care a father gives his own legitimate son—linking governance to moral responsibility and support of the worthy.
In Bhishma’s instruction on rajadharma in the Shanti Parva, he lays down a rule of conduct for rulers: after evaluating a Brahmin’s qualifications (learning and conduct), the king should both maintain him materially and ensure his safety, emphasizing paternal-style guardianship.