Shloka 4
Āloka-dāna (Dīpa-dāna), Sumanas–Dhūpa–Dīpa Phala: Manu–Suvarṇa and Śukra–Bali Exempla
कुलशीलगुणोपेत: स्वाध्याये च परंगत: । बहून् सुवंशप्रभवान् समतीत: स्वकैर्गुणै:
kulaśīlaguṇopetaḥ svādhyāye ca paraṅgataḥ | bahūn suvaṃśaprabhavān samatītaḥ svakair guṇaiḥ ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Siya’y pinagkalooban ng marangal na angkan, mabuting asal, at dakilang mga katangian, at umabot sa mataas na kahusayan sa banal na pag-aaral (svādhyāya). Sa lakas ng sarili niyang kabutihang-asal, nalampasan niya ang maraming bantog na lalaking isinilang sa mariringal na pamilya—ipinapakita na ang tunay na kadakilaan ay nasusukat sa pagkatao at kaalaman, hindi sa kapanganakan lamang.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes that genuine superiority comes from one’s own virtues—good conduct, cultivated qualities, and mastery of sacred learning—rather than merely from being born into an eminent family.
Bhishma is describing a person’s excellence, praising his lineage, character, and learning, and noting that his personal merits enabled him to outshine many others of high birth.