Shloka 31
मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
तत्र दस्युर्धनयुत: सर्ववर्णविशेषवित् । ब्रह्मण्य: सत्यसंधश्न दाने च निरतो5भवत्,उस गाँवमें एक धनी डाकू रहता था, जो समस्त वर्णोकी विशेषताका जानकार था। उसके ह्ृदयमें ब्राह्मणोंके प्रति भक्ति थी। वह सत्यप्रतिज्ञ और दानी था
tatra dasyur dhanayutaḥ sarvavarṇaviśeṣavit | brahmaṇyaḥ satyasaṃdhaś ca dāne ca nirato 'bhavat ||
Allí vivía un dāsyu, un bandido acaudalado, que conocía las diferencias de deberes y cualidades propias de todos los varṇa. Y, sin embargo, era devoto de los brahmanes, firme en la verdad y leal a sus votos, y se mantenía constantemente dedicado a la dádiva.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical qualities—truthfulness, reverence for the virtuous (especially Brahmins), and generosity—can appear even in a person whose occupation is blameworthy. It invites reflection on how dharma is assessed: not only by social label or livelihood, but also by inner commitments and conduct.
Bhishma introduces a character living in a village: a rich bandit who nonetheless knows the distinctions of the varnas and is described as brahmanya (reverent to Brahmins), satyasandha (true to vows), and devoted to charity. This description sets up a subsequent moral or didactic episode about conduct and righteousness.