Shloka 25
Adhyāya 159 — Dāna–Dakṣiṇā, Āpaddharma Measures, and Prāyaścitta Classifications
दातारो न ग्रहीतारो दयावन्तस्तथैव च । पितृदेवातिथेयाश्र नित्योद्युक्तास्तथैव च
dātāro na grahītāro dayāvantas tathaiva ca | pitṛdeva-atitheyāśrā nityodyuktās tathaiva ca ||
Bhīṣma dit : « Ce sont des donneurs, non des preneurs ; la compassion demeure en eux naturellement. Ils restent dévoués au service des dieux, des ancêtres et des hôtes, et s’emploient sans cesse à accomplir des actes justes. »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises an ethical ideal: the truly virtuous are defined by giving rather than taking, by innate compassion, and by steady commitment to dharmic duties—especially honoring gods, ancestors, and guests.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma after the war. Here he characterizes the conduct of exemplary people, describing their generosity, mercy, and constant readiness for righteous action and service.