Shloka 19
Śrī-nivāsa: Traits and Conditions for the Abode of Prosperity (श्री-निवासः)
स्वाध्यायनित्येषु सदा द्विजेषु क्षत्रे च धर्माभिरते सदैव । वैश्ये च कृष्पाभिरते वसामि शूद्रे च शुश्रूषणनित्ययुक्ते
bhīṣma uvāca |
svādhyāya-nityeṣu sadā dvijeṣu kṣatre ca dharmābhirate sadaiva |
vaiśye ca kṛṣy-ābhirate vasāmi śūdre ca śuśrūṣaṇa-nitya-yukte ||
ビーシュマは言った。「我は常に、ヴェーダの学習（スヴァーディヤーヤ）に絶えず励む二度生まれ（ドヴィジャ）の間に住み、また、正しき自らの義務に常に心を向けるクシャトリヤの間に住み、農耕に従事するヴァイシャの間に住み、そして奉仕に絶えず身を捧げるシュードラの間にも住む。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that righteousness is sustained when each social group remains steadfast in its proper duty: Vedic study for the twice-born, protection and duty for Kshatriyas, productive work such as agriculture for Vaishyas, and dedicated service for Shudras. The implied ethical point is that dharma ‘dwells’ where disciplined responsibility and integrity are practiced.
In the Anushasana Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on dharma. Here he personifies a revered principle (dharma/śrī-like presence) as ‘dwelling’ among people who faithfully perform their prescribed roles, reinforcing the didactic theme of social and moral order.