Shloka 8
नियताहारता नित्यं व्रतचर्या यथाक्रमम् । धर्मो हि धर्मसम्बन्धादिन्द्रियाणां विशेषत:
niyatāhāratā nityaṁ vratacaryā yathākramam | dharmo hi dharmasambandhād indriyāṇāṁ viśeṣataḥ ||
Bhishma said: “To keep one’s diet regulated at all times, and to observe vows in their proper order and discipline—this is indeed a duty. For through one’s connection with dharma, the senses in particular are purified and brought under control.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is supported by disciplined living—especially regulated food and proper observance of vows—and this dharmic discipline purifies and steadies the senses.
In Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on righteous conduct; here he emphasizes ascetic-style discipline (dietary regulation and vow-practice) as a means to strengthen dharma and purify the senses.