Shloka 18
Adhyāya 166: Kṛtaghna-doṣa (कृतघ्नदोषः) — the fault of ingratitude and the limits of expiation
न ब्राह्मणो निवेदेत किंचिद् राजनि वेदवित् । स्ववीर्याद् राजवीर्याच्च स्ववीर्य बलवत्तरम्
na brāhmaṇo nivedet kiñcid rājani vedavit | svavīryād rājavīryāc ca svavīryaṃ balavattaram ||
Bhīṣma said: “A Brahmin who truly knows the Veda should not petition a king for anything. For between the Brahmin’s own power and the king’s power, the Brahmin’s own strength is the greater—his strength being rooted in spiritual discipline, learning, and inner authority rather than worldly force.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A Veda-knowing Brahmin should maintain dignity and independence, not seeking favors from kings; spiritual and moral power (rooted in knowledge and discipline) is presented as superior to mere political or military power.
In the Śānti Parva’s dharma-instruction, Bhīṣma advises on proper conduct and social-ethical order, contrasting the Brahmin’s inner authority with the king’s external authority and urging restraint in approaching royal patronage.