Shloka 4
ऋत्विग्धर्मः, दक्षिणा-न्यायः, तपसः परमार्थः
Ritvij-Dharma, the Norm of Dakṣiṇā, and the Higher Meaning of Tapas
अनुशंसा: सत्यवाक्या अकुसीदा अथर्जव: । अद्रोहो5नभिमानश्च ह्ीस्तितिक्षा दम: शम:
anuśaṃsāḥ satyavākyā akusīdā athārjavaḥ | adroho 'nabhimānaś ca hrīs titikṣā damaḥ śamaḥ ||
भीष्म उवाच—अनुशंसाः सत्यवाक्याः अकुसीदाः अथार्जवाः। अद्रोहोऽनभिमानश्च ह्रीस्तितिक्षा दमः शमः॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma enumerates a cluster of dharmic virtues—truthful speech, economic fairness (no usury), straightforward conduct, non-malice, humility, modest moral restraint, patience, sensory discipline, and inner peace—as marks of a well-formed ethical character.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma continues advising on righteous conduct by listing specific qualities that deserve praise and should be cultivated.