Shloka 34
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
कुशलं सह दानेन राजन्नस्तु सदा तव | अर्थिभ्यो दीयतां सर्वमित्युक्त्वान्येन ते ययु:
kuśalaṃ saha dānena rājann astu sadā tava | arthibhyo dīyatāṃ sarvam ity uktvā anyena te yayuḥ ||
कुशलं सह दानेन राजन्नस्तु सदा तव । अर्थिभ्यो दीयतां सर्वमित्युक्त्वान्येन ते ययुः ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Charity (dāna) is presented as a source of the giver’s welfare (kuśala). A king should give generously and appropriately—directing gifts to genuine seekers (arthin)—so that giving is both compassionate and ethically well-placed.
Bhishma addresses the king with a blessing tied to the act of giving, instructing that all should be given to those who request it. After delivering this counsel, the speakers (referred to as ‘they’) depart by a different path.