Shloka 34
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
भीष्म उवाच अर्घ्य पाद्यं च दत्त्वा स तेभ्यस्तत्र समागमे । अब्रवीत् परमप्रीत: स्वशक््त्या कि करोमि व:
bhīṣma uvāca | arghya-pādyaṃ ca dattvā sa tebhyaḥ tatra samāgame | abravīt paramaprītaḥ svaśaktyā kiṃ karomi vaḥ ||
Bhishma said: “O King, when they had all assembled there, the brahmin offered them the customary honors—arghya and water for washing the feet. Then, filled with great joy, he addressed them: ‘O divine ones, what service can I render to you, according to my ability?’”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as respectful hospitality and humble service: one should honor worthy guests with proper rites (arghya, pādya) and offer help within one’s means (svaśaktyā), without pride or neglect.
As the divine visitors gather, a brahmin receives them formally by offering arghya and water for washing their feet. Delighted, he asks what service he can provide them according to his capacity.