Shloka 21
Adhyāya 142: Cyavana, the Devas’ Arrogance, and Vāyu’s Counsel on Protecting Brāhmaṇas
महान् यशस्वी राजर्षि सहस्नचित्य ब्राह्मणके लिये अपने प्यारे प्राणोंकी बलि देकर श्रेष्ठ लोकोंमें गये हैं ।।
bhīṣma uvāca | sarvakāmaiḥ samāpūrṇaṃ dattvā veśma hiraṇmayam | maudgalyāya gataḥ svargaṃ śatadyumno mahīpatiḥ ||
Disse Bhīṣma: O rei Śatadyumna, tendo doado ao brâmane Maudgalya uma casa de ouro, plenamente provida de todo conforto desejável, alcançou o céu. A passagem realça o poder ético da generosidade completa e desinteressada—sobretudo para com recipientes dignos—como dever régio que conduz a mundos excelsos.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
That wholehearted, complete giving (dāna)—especially by a ruler as part of rājadharma—creates great merit and leads to higher worlds; generosity is presented as a direct ethical path to spiritual reward.
Bhishma cites an exemplum: King Śatadyumna donates a fully furnished golden house to the Brahmin Maudgalya, and as a result of this meritorious act he attains heaven.