Shloka 5
Jāpakānāṃ Gatiḥ — The Destinies of Japa-Practitioners (Śānti Parva 12.190)
क्षत्रजं सेवते कर्म वेदाध्ययनसंगत: । दानादानरतिर्यस्तु स वै क्षत्रिय उच्यते
Bharadvāja uvāca: kṣatrajaṁ sevate karma vedādhyayana-saṅgataḥ | dānādāna-ratir yas tu sa vai kṣatriya ucyate ||
Bharadvāja berkata: “Ia yang menjalankan kewajiban yang lahir dari kuasa kerajaan, tekun dalam studi Weda, bergembira dalam memberi dan menerima yang memang menjadi haknya—dialah yang disebut seorang Kṣatriya.”
भरद्वाज उवाच
Educational Q&A
A Kṣatriya is defined by conduct: performing ruler-warrior duties, remaining connected to Vedic learning, practicing generosity, and accepting rightful revenues while using power for protection and order.
In the Śānti Parva’s dharma-discourse, the sage Bharadvāja states criteria for identifying a true Kṣatriya, emphasizing a balanced life of governance, learning, giving, and duty-bound readiness for battle.