Shloka 51
Nṛga-upākhyāna: Brāhmaṇa-sva and the Consequence of Misappropriated Gift-Cattle (कृकलास-रूपे नृगोपाख्यानम्)
न वधार्थ प्रदातव्या न कीनाशे न नास्तिके । गोजीविने न दातव्या तथा गौर्भरतर्षभ
bhīṣma uvāca | na vadhārthaṃ pradātavyā na kīn̄āśe na nāstike | gojīvine na dātavyā tathā gaur bharatarṣabha | gorasānāṃ na vikretur apañcayajanasya ca |
ビーシュマは言った。「おお、バーラタ族の雄牛よ。殺すために求める者に、牝牛を与えてはならぬ。さらに、屠殺に携わる者、信を持たぬ者（ナースティカ）、牛を搾取して生計を立てる者、乳や乳製品を売りさばく者、そして日々の五つの祭祀（パンチャ・ヤジュニャ）を怠る者にも与えてはならない。牛の布施は聖なる託宣である。守り、敬う手にのみ委ねるべきだ。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that the merit of go-dāna (gifting a cow) depends on the recipient’s dharmic conduct and intention. A cow should not be given where it will be harmed, commodified, or placed with someone who rejects or neglects foundational duties; the donor must ensure the gift supports protection and righteous living.
In the Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma, especially the ethics of gifts and conduct. Here he specifies disqualifications for recipients of a cow, framing go-dāna as a sacred responsibility rather than a mere transfer of property.