Shloka 77
देह: प्राणश्न धर्मश्न शुश्रूषार्थमिदं गुरो: । तव विप्र प्रसादेन लोकान् प्राप्स्यामहे शुभान्,मेरा यह शरीर, प्राण और धर्म--सब कुछ बड़ोंकी सेवाके लिये ही है। विप्रवर! आपके प्रसादसे मुझे उत्तम लोकोंकी प्राप्ति हो सकती है
dehaḥ prāṇaś ca dharmaś ca śuśrūṣārtham idaṃ guroḥ | tava vipra prasādena lokān prāpsyāmahe śubhān ||
“This body, this very life-breath, and even my dharma are meant for one purpose: the devoted service of elders and teachers. O best of brāhmaṇas, by your gracious favor we shall attain auspicious worlds.”
श्षशुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that one’s body, life-force, and moral duty find their highest use in respectful service to elders and teachers; such humility and service, supported by a brāhmaṇa’s blessing, is presented as a cause of spiritual merit and attainment of auspicious realms.
A speaker (identified as “the father-in-law”) expresses devotion and submission, declaring that his very life and dharma are dedicated to serving the guru/elders, and he acknowledges that the brāhmaṇa’s favor or blessing will enable the attainment of blessed worlds.