Shloka 36
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
सवनिव तु राजर्षि: सम्पूज्याथ प्रणम्प च | कुशलप्रश्नमकरोत् सर्वेषां राजसत्तम:,नृपश्रेष्ठ राजर्षि इक्ष्वाकुने उन सबको प्रणाम करके उनकी पूजा की और उन सबका कुशल-समाचार पूछा
sa nṛpo rājaṛṣiḥ sampūjya atha praṇamya ca | kuśalapraśnam akarot sarveṣāṃ rājasattamaḥ ||
Bhishma said: Then that king, a royal sage and the best among rulers, first honored them with due worship and respectful salutations, and thereafter inquired after the welfare of them all—thus observing the ethical decorum of kingship through humility, reverence, and concern for others’ well-being.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A righteous ruler embodies dharma through respectful conduct: honoring worthy persons, bowing with humility, and actively asking after everyone’s welfare—showing that power should be guided by reverence and care.
Bhishma narrates that a royal sage-king approaches an assembly, offers worship and salutations to those present, and then asks about their well-being, following proper royal and ethical protocol.