Shloka 20
Śīla-prāpti and Śīla-lakṣaṇa (शीलप्राप्ति-शीललक्षणम्) | On the Acquisition and Marks of Character
अन्रैतदाहुराचार्या: पापस्य परिगर्हणम् | सेवितव्या त्रयी विद्या सत्कारो ब्राह्मणेषु च,इस अवस्थामें आचार्यगण उसके लिये यह कर्तव्य बतलाते हैं कि वह अपने पापोंकी निन्दा करे, वेदोंका निरन्तर स्वाध्याय करे और ब्राह्मणोंका सत्कार करे
anṛtaid āhur ācāryāḥ pāpasya parigarhāṇam | sevitavyā trayī vidyā satkāro brāhmaṇeṣu ca ||
अत्रैतदाहुराचार्याः पापस्य परिगर्हणम्। सेवितव्या त्रयी विद्या सत्कारो ब्राह्मणेषु च॥
कामन्दक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse prescribes a threefold ethical remedy: (1) acknowledge and condemn one’s own wrongdoing rather than excuse it, (2) pursue sustained Vedic learning through disciplined study, and (3) uphold social-religious order by honoring Brahmins—together forming a path of moral correction and dharmic restoration.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction-oriented setting, Kāmandaka cites the authority of ācāryas (teachers) to lay down what should be done in such a situation: repentance/repudiation of sin, continued sacred study, and respectful conduct toward Brahmins.