Shloka 21
Brāhmaṇa-vandana: Criteria for Veneration, Disciplined Speech, and Protective Kingship (अनुशासनपर्व, अध्याय ८)
क्षत्रिय: शतवर्षी च दशवर्षी द्विजोत्तम: । पितापुत्रौ च विज्ञेयौ तयोरहिं ब्राह्मणो गुरु:
kṣatriyaḥ śatavarṣī ca daśavarṣī dvijottamaḥ | pitāputrau ca vijñeyau tayor ahiṁ brāhmaṇo guruḥ ||
भीष्म म्हणाले—क्षत्रिय शंभर वर्षांचा असला आणि श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मण दहा वर्षांचा असला, तरीही त्या दोघांना पिता-पुत्र या नात्यानेच जाणावे. त्या जोडीमध्ये ब्राह्मण पिता व गुरु आहे आणि क्षत्रिय पुत्रासमान आहे।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma-based precedence is determined by spiritual authority and sacred learning: a Brāhmaṇa, even if younger in age, is to be regarded as guru and ‘father’ relative to a Kṣatriya, who is to show deference like a ‘son’.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction on conduct and social duties, Bhīṣma lays down a rule of respectful hierarchy, using an age-contrast example to emphasize that status in dharma is not merely biological seniority but the role of the Brāhmaṇa as teacher and guide.