Shloka 86
Varṇa-dharma and Rājadharma: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Normative Outline (वर्णधर्म-राजधर्म-प्रश्नोत्तरम्)
एवं लोकानुरोधेन शास्त्रमेतन्महर्षिभि: । संक्षिप्तमायुर्विज्ञाय मर्त्यानां ह्ासमेव च,इस प्रकार मनुष्योंकी आयुका हास होता जानकर जगतके हितके लिये महर्षियोंने इस शास्त्रका संक्षेप किया है
evaṁ lokānurodhena śāstram etan maharṣibhiḥ | saṁkṣiptam āyur vijñāya martyānāṁ hrāsam eva ca ||
Dijo Bhīṣma: «Así, atendiendo a las necesidades del mundo, los grandes sabios, al reconocer la brevedad de la vida humana y su continuo declive, condensaron este tratado para el bienestar de los hombres».
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Teachings are adapted for practical human capacity: since human lifespan is short and diminishing, sages condense shastra so that people can learn and practice dharma effectively within limited time.
In Bhishma’s instruction to Yudhishthira in the Shanti Parva, he explains why authoritative teachings were made concise—out of consideration for the world’s welfare and the constraints of mortal life.