Shloka 49
Yajña-bhāga-vyavasthā and the Pravṛtti–Nivṛtti Framework (यज्ञभागव्यवस्था तथा प्रवृत्तिनिवृत्तिधर्मविवेचनम्)
श्रावयेच्चतुरो वर्णान् कृत्वा ब्राह्मणमग्रत: । वेदस्याध्ययनं होदं तच्च कार्य महत् स्मृतम्
śrāvayec caturō varṇān kṛtvā brāhmaṇam agrataḥ | vedasyādhyayanaṃ homaṃ tac ca kāryaṃ mahat smṛtam ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Il faut instruire les quatre ordres sociaux, en plaçant le Brāhmaṇa au premier rang. L’étude du Veda et l’offrande des oblations (homa) sont tenues pour un grand devoir ; il faut donc les accomplir à coup sûr.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma emphasizes that transmitting Vedic learning and maintaining Vedic rites are major obligations: society should be taught with the Brāhmaṇa (as the traditional custodian of Vedic knowledge) placed foremost, and Veda-study together with homa should be undertaken as a great, mandatory duty.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma continues advising on proper conduct and social-religious responsibilities, highlighting the importance of Vedic education and ritual practice as foundational supports of order and righteousness.