Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 38
आचारप्रशंसा
Praise of Ācāra as the Basis of Longevity, Fame, and Prosperity
न ब्राह्मणान् परिवदेन्नक्षत्राणि न निर्दिशेत् । तिथिं पक्षस्य न ब्रूयात् तथास्यायुर्न रिष्यते
na brāhmaṇān parivaden nakṣatrāṇi na nirdiśet | tithiṁ pakṣasya na brūyāt tathāsyāyur na riṣyate ||
ब्राह्मणों की निंदा न करे; नक्षत्रों का निर्देश न करता फिरे; और पक्ष की तिथि भी न बताता रहे। ऐसा करने से मनुष्य की आयु का ह्रास नहीं होता।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Guard one’s speech and conduct: avoid slandering Brāhmaṇas and avoid making a public trade of calendrical/astrological announcements (nakṣatra and tithi). Such restraint is presented as conducive to preserving one’s lifespan.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and proper behavior. Here he gives a specific rule of conduct concerning respectful speech and refraining from certain public proclamations, linking ethical restraint with well-being and longevity.