Shloka 2
Adhyāya 166: Kṛtaghna-doṣa (कृतघ्नदोषः) — the fault of ingratitude and the limits of expiation
एते वै साधवो दृष्टा ब्राह्मणा धर्मभिक्षव: | निःस्वेभ्यो देयमेतेभ्यो दानं विद्या च भारत
ete vai sādhavo dṛṣṭā brāhmaṇā dharmabhikṣavaḥ | niḥsvebhyo deyam etebhyo dānaṁ vidyā ca bhārata ||
Bhīṣma said: “These Brahmins are indeed seen to be virtuous—beggars only for the sake of dharma. Therefore, O Bhārata, gifts should be given to them when they are without means, so that charity may be fulfilled and learning may be sustained.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that almsgiving is especially appropriate toward virtuous Brahmins who seek support for dharma and learning; when they are destitute, providing resources for study and righteous duties is itself a kingly obligation aligned with dharma.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on righteous governance and conduct, Bhīṣma addresses Yudhiṣṭhira and identifies a class of worthy recipients—Brahmins who beg not for indulgence but for dharma—urging that they be supported through gifts so that sacred learning and religious obligations can continue.