Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 56
आचारप्रशंसा
Praise of Ācāra as the Basis of Longevity, Fame, and Prosperity
प्राडमुखो नित्यमश्रीयाद् वाग्यतो5न्नमकुत्सयन् । प्रस्कन्दयेच्च मनसा भुक्त्वा चाग्निमुपस्पृशेत्
prāḍmukho nityam aśrīyād vāgyato 'nnam akutsayan | praskandayec ca manasā bhuktvā cāgnim upaspṛśet ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Ang lalaking kakain ay dapat kumain araw-araw na nakaharap sa silangan, tahimik at may pagpipigil sa sarili. Habang kumakain, huwag niyang hamakin ang pagkaing inihain. Mag-iwan siya ng kaunting bahagi na hindi mauubos, at matapos kumain ay alalahanin sa loob ng puso ang Banal na Apoy (Agni)—pinananatili ang paggalang at disiplina sa payak na gawain ng pagdudulot-buhay.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Everyday acts like eating are part of dharma: eat with discipline (silence and restraint), gratitude (no fault-finding with what is served), moderation (leave a small remainder), and reverence (mentally recollect the sacred fire after the meal).
In the Anushasana Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising on proper conduct (ācāra). Here he gives practical household guidance on how one should take food in a disciplined and reverent manner.