Shloka 6
पात्रलक्षण-परिक्षा (Pātra-Lakṣaṇa Parīkṣā) — Criteria for a Worthy Recipient
आदित्यश्रन्द्रमा वायुरापो भूरम्बरं दिश:
ādityaś candramā vāyur āpo bhūr ambaram diśaḥ
ଭୀଷ୍ମ କହିଲେ—ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ, ଚନ୍ଦ୍ର, ବାୟୁ, ଜଳ, ପୃଥିବୀ, ଆକାଶ ଓ ଦିଗମାନ—ଏମାନେ ଧର୍ମର ନିତ୍ୟ ସାକ୍ଷୀ ଓ ଆଧାର।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
That dharma is grounded in the cosmic order: the fundamental forces of the universe (sun, moon, wind, waters, earth, sky, directions) are invoked as ever-present witnesses and supports, reminding one that ethical conduct is accountable beyond human society.
Bhīṣma, in his instruction during the Anuśāsana Parva, lists major cosmic elements/deities to frame his moral discourse—strengthening the authority of his counsel by appealing to universal, omnipresent powers that observe and uphold right conduct.