Shloka 31
Jñāna-yoga and Karma-phala: Manu–Bṛhaspati on Akṣara and the Limits of Mantra
मानसं सर्वभूतानां धर्ममाहुर्मनीषिण: । तस्मात् सर्वेषु भूतेषु मनसा शिवमाचरेत्
mānasaṃ sarvabhūtānāṃ dharmam āhur manīṣiṇaḥ | tasmāt sarveṣu bhūteṣu manasā śivam ācaret ||
Bhishma said: The wise declare that, for all living beings, the highest form of dharma is that which is performed through the mind. Therefore, toward every creature, one should practice mental auspiciousness—continually willing their welfare and holding benevolent intent.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True dharma begins internally: the mind should be trained to hold goodwill toward all beings. Even before speech or action, benevolent intention (śiva) directed to everyone is presented as a superior, foundational form of righteousness.
In the Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on dharma and right conduct after the war. Here he emphasizes inner ethics—cultivating universal goodwill in thought—as a key element of righteous living.