Shloka 29
पात्रलक्षण-परिक्षा (Pātra-Lakṣaṇa Parīkṣā) — Criteria for a Worthy Recipient
इच्छन् कीर्ति च भूतिं च लोकांश्व मधुसूदन । ब्राह्मणानुमते तिछेत् पुरुष: शुचिरात्मवान्
icchan kīrtiṃ ca bhūtiṃ ca lokāṃś ca madhusūdana | brāhmaṇānumate tiṣṭhet puruṣaḥ śucir ātmavān ||
Wahai Madhusūdana, siapa yang menginginkan kemasyhuran, kemakmuran, dan pencapaian alam-alam luhur, hendaknya ia—dengan laku yang suci dan pengendalian diri—tetap berada di bawah persetujuan serta bimbingan para Brāhmaṇa.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that one who desires lasting fame, prosperity, and higher spiritual attainments should cultivate purity and self-mastery and live in accordance with the approved guidance of Brāhmaṇas—i.e., those representing learned, dharmic counsel. Ethical success is linked to disciplined conduct and respect for righteous authority.
Vāyudeva is addressing Madhusūdana (Kṛṣṇa) and articulating a normative rule of conduct: aspirants to honor and well-being should remain under Brāhmaṇical sanction. The statement functions as instruction within the Anuśāsana Parva’s broader emphasis on dharma, right conduct, and social-religious duties.