Shloka 19
कर्मनाशाभावः, गर्भे जीवप्रवेशः, आचारधर्मोपदेशः
Karma’s Non-Extinction, Jīva’s Entry into the Embryo, and Instruction on Conduct-Dharma
एवं सत्सु सदा पश्येत् तत्राप्येषा ध्रुवा स्थिति: । आचारो धर्ममाचष्टे यस्मिन् शान्ता व्यवस्थिता:
evaṁ satsu sadā paśyet tatrāpy eṣā dhruvā sthitiḥ | ācāro dharmam ācāṣṭe yasmin śāntā vyavasthitāḥ ||
Thus, among the truly good one should always observe this: even there, this is the steadfast condition—right conduct reveals what dharma is. The tranquil-minded noble persons remain established in such good conduct, and in them dharma stands firm and unshaken.
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not merely a theory or claim; it is recognized through ācāra (lived conduct). In the sat (the virtuous), steady good conduct is the sign and support of dharma, and inner peace (śānti) accompanies and stabilizes that conduct.
A brāhmaṇa speaker offers a reflective instruction: when assessing righteousness, look to the consistent behavior of truly good people. Their settled, peaceful disposition and their adherence to proper conduct demonstrate where dharma is firmly established.