Shloka 21
Brāhmaṇa-vandana: Criteria for Veneration, Disciplined Speech, and Protective Kingship (अनुशासनपर्व, अध्याय ८)
क्षत्रिय: शतवर्षी च दशवर्षी द्विजोत्तम: । पितापुत्रौ च विज्ञेयौ तयोरहिं ब्राह्मणो गुरु:
kṣatriyaḥ śatavarṣī ca daśavarṣī dvijottamaḥ | pitāputrau ca vijñeyau tayor ahiṁ brāhmaṇo guruḥ ||
Bhīṣma berkata: Sekalipun seorang kṣatriya berusia seratus tahun dan seorang brāhmaṇa unggul baru berusia sepuluh, keduanya harus dipahami dalam hubungan yang semestinya sebagai anak dan ayah. Dalam pasangan itu, brāhmaṇa adalah ayah dan guru, sedangkan kṣatriya laksana anak.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma-based precedence is determined by spiritual authority and sacred learning: a Brāhmaṇa, even if younger in age, is to be regarded as guru and ‘father’ relative to a Kṣatriya, who is to show deference like a ‘son’.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction on conduct and social duties, Bhīṣma lays down a rule of respectful hierarchy, using an age-contrast example to emphasize that status in dharma is not merely biological seniority but the role of the Brāhmaṇa as teacher and guide.