Shloka 17
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
यदि राज्यं यदि धनं यदि गा: संशितव्रत । यज्ञदानानि च तथा ब्रहि सर्व ददामि ते
yadi rājyaṃ yadi dhanaṃ yadi gāḥ saṃśitavrata | yajñadānāni ca tathā brūhi sarvaṃ dadāmi te ||
ビーシュマは語った。「堅固にして峻厳なる誓戒を守る聖者よ。もし望みが国であれ、財であれ、牛であれ、あるいは祭祀（yajña）のための施与であれ、告げよ。私はそのすべてを捧げよう。この王宮も、この国土も、ダルマに則って立つこの王座も、ことごとくあなたのものだ。あなたこそ王—この大地を護り治めよ。私はただ、常にあなたの命に従う僕として在ろう。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic generosity and humility: a ruler (or elder statesman) should be ready to relinquish even supreme possessions—kingdom, wealth, cattle, and ritual gifts—when confronted with a higher moral or spiritual claim, and should place righteous authority above personal attachment.
Bhīṣma addresses an austere sage and offers him whatever he might desire—political power, material wealth, cattle, or sacrificial donations—going so far as to say the throne and governance are the sage’s, while Bhīṣma will remain obedient, underscoring deference to spiritual merit and dharmic legitimacy.