Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 11
आचारप्रशंसा
Praise of Ācāra as the Basis of Longevity, Fame, and Prosperity
ये नास्तिका निष्क्रियाश्व गुरुशास्त्राभिलड्घिन: । अधर्मज्ञा दुराचारास्ते भवन्ति गतायुष:
ye nāstikā niṣkriyāś ca guruśāstrābhilaṅghinaḥ | adharmajñā durācārās te bhavanti gatāyuṣaḥ ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: Yaong mga tumatanggi sa banal na kaayusan, tumatalikod sa itinakdang tungkulin, at lumalabag sa utos ng mga guro at ng mga śāstra—mga mangmang sa dharma at nalulugmok sa masamang asal—ang mga taong iyon ay napuputulan ng haba ng buhay.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that rejecting dharma and śāstric guidance, neglecting one’s duties, and behaving immorally leads to tangible harm—here expressed as a shortening of lifespan—underscoring that ethical discipline sustains both social order and personal well-being.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma. This verse is part of his moral counsel, warning about the consequences for those who disregard teachers and authoritative teachings and live without righteous conduct.