Shloka 8
Dhūpa–Dīpa–Bali Phala Praśna; Nahūṣa–Agastya–Bhṛgu Saṃvāda
Incense, Lamp, and Bali Offerings; the Nahūṣa Dialogue
सर्व तस्य गृहे राज्ञ: प्रावर्तत महात्मन: । जपयज्ञान्मनोयज्ञांस्त्रिदिवेषपि चकार स:
bhīṣma uvāca | sarvaṁ tasya gṛhe rājñaḥ prāvartata mahātmanaḥ | japayajñān manoyajñāṁs tridiveṣv api cakāra saḥ ||
Bhīṣma disse: “Na casa daquele rei magnânimo, todos os ritos e oferendas prescritos eram mantidos continuamente. Mesmo habitando no céu, ele seguia realizando sacrifícios de recitação (japa-yajña) e o sacrifício interior da mente — culto por meio de meditação disciplinada — mostrando que o verdadeiro dharma não se sustenta apenas no ritual externo, mas na devoção constante e no autocontrole.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that dharma is upheld through both outer observances and inner discipline: japa (sacred recitation) and mano-yajña (mental/meditative offering). Even in heavenly enjoyment, sustained spiritual practice and self-regulation remain the mark of true nobility.
Bhishma describes the exemplary conduct associated with King Nahusha: in his household, rites and offerings were continuously maintained, and Nahusha himself continued performing japa-yajñas and mental worship even while in heaven, emphasizing continuity of religious practice beyond worldly circumstances.