Shloka 33
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
ब्राह्मण उवाच स्वागतं सूर्यपुत्राय कालाय च महात्मने । मृत्यवे चाथ धर्माय कि कार्य करवाणि व:
brāhmaṇa uvāca svāgataṃ sūryaputrāya kālāya ca mahātmane | mṛtyave cātha dharmāya kiṃ kāryaṃ karavāṇi vaḥ ||
The Brahmin said: “Welcome to Sūrya’s son (Yama), and to great-souled Time; welcome also to Death and to Dharma. Tell me—what task shall I perform for you?”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models ethical composure and hospitality even toward fearsome cosmic powers—Time, Death, and Dharma—implying that one should meet inevitable realities with clarity, respect, and readiness to do one’s duty.
A Brahmin addresses the arriving figures identified as Yama (son of the Sun), Kāla (Time), Mṛtyu (Death), and Dharma, formally welcoming them and asking what service or task they require of him.