Shloka 39
Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
ब्राह्मणै: क्षत्रियर्वैश्यै: शूद्रश्न कृतलक्षणै: । सेव्यते<भ्यर्च्यते चैव नित्ययुक्तै: स्वकर्मभि:
brāhmaṇaiḥ kṣatriyair vaiśyaiḥ śūdraś ca kṛtalakṣaṇaiḥ | sevyate 'bhyarcyate caiva nityayuktaiḥ svakarmabhiḥ ||
Bhīṣma disse: “Por brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas e por śūdras dotados de sinais auspiciosos, Ele é continuamente servido e devidamente adorado — cada qual firme em seu próprio dever, oferecendo esse serviço pelo fiel cumprimento das ações prescritas.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True reverence is expressed through steadfast performance of one’s own rightful duties (svakarma/svadharma); all social groups can honor the Divine by disciplined, sincere work aligned with their role.
Bhīṣma is explaining that people of all varṇas—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and qualified Shudra—continually serve and worship the revered Lord/ideal through their respective prescribed actions, emphasizing duty-based devotion.