Shloka 6
दानपात्रापात्र-निर्णयः / Determining Worthy Gifts, Recipients, and Permissible Food
श्रोतुमिच्छसि चेद् धर्म निखिलेन नराधिप । प्रैहि भीष्मं महाबाहो वृद्ध कुरूपितामहम्,“महाबाहु नरेश्वर! यदि तुम धर्मका पूर्णरूपसे विवेचन सुनना चाहते हो तो कुरुकुलके वृद्ध पितामह भीष्मके पास जाओ
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: śrotum icchasi ced dharma nikhilena narādhipa | praihi Bhīṣmaṃ mahābāho vṛddhaṃ Kurupitāmaham ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O king, if you wish to hear dharma in its entirety, then go to Bhīṣma—the mighty-armed elder, the grandsire of the Kuru line. From him you will receive the full exposition of righteous conduct and duty.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Complete understanding of dharma should be sought from a recognized authority who embodies tradition and lived wisdom—here, Bhīṣma, the Kuru grandsire, is presented as the foremost teacher for an all-encompassing exposition of righteous duty.
In the frame dialogue, Vaiśampāyana directs the king who seeks a full account of dharma to approach Bhīṣma. This sets up Bhīṣma’s long instruction in the Śānti Parva, where post-war ethical and political duties are systematically taught.