Shloka 34
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
भीष्म उवाच अर्घ्य पाद्यं च दत्त्वा स तेभ्यस्तत्र समागमे । अब्रवीत् परमप्रीत: स्वशक््त्या कि करोमि व:
bhīṣma uvāca | arghya-pādyaṃ ca dattvā sa tebhyaḥ tatra samāgame | abravīt paramaprītaḥ svaśaktyā kiṃ karomi vaḥ ||
भीष्म ने कहा—राजन्! वहाँ उन सबके एकत्र होने पर ब्राह्मण ने उन्हें अर्घ्य और पाद्य देकर, अत्यन्त प्रसन्न होकर कहा—‘देवगण! मैं अपनी शक्ति के अनुसार आपकी क्या सेवा करूँ?’
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as respectful hospitality and humble service: one should honor worthy guests with proper rites (arghya, pādya) and offer help within one’s means (svaśaktyā), without pride or neglect.
As the divine visitors gather, a brahmin receives them formally by offering arghya and water for washing their feet. Delighted, he asks what service he can provide them according to his capacity.