Shloka 11
Jñāna-yoga and Karma-phala: Manu–Bṛhaspati on Akṣara and the Limits of Mantra
होमकाले तथा जुद्वन्नतुकाले तथा व्रजन् । अनन्यस्त्रीजन: प्राज्ञो ब्रह्मचारी तथा भवेत्
homakāle tathā yudvan ṛtukāle tathā vrajan | ananyastrījanaḥ prājño brahmacārī tathā bhavet ||
भीष्म उवाच—होमकाले तथा युक्त्वा न तु काले तथा व्रजन्। अनन्यस्त्रीजनः प्राज्ञो ब्रह्मचारी तथा भवेत्॥ यः नित्यं यथाकालं होमं करोति, ऋतुकाले स्वभार्यां समुपैति, परस्त्रीषु च कदाचन न दृष्टिं निक्षिपति—स प्राज्ञो गृहस्थोऽपि ब्रह्मचारिवत् स्मृतः।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Brahmacarya is presented not only as literal celibacy but as disciplined conduct: regular performance of sacred duties, conjugal relations confined to dharmically permitted times, and unwavering fidelity—no pursuit of other women. Such restraint makes a householder comparable to a brahmacārin in ethical stature.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma teaches Yudhiṣṭhira standards of self-control for householders. He defines a model of restrained domestic life—ritual regularity and sexual moderation—framing it as brahmacarya-like discipline within gṛhastha life.