Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 11
वृथादारान् न गच्छन्ति वृथामांसं न भुञ्जते । दीप्तमन्निं जुह्बते च गुरूणां वचने स्थिता:
vṛthādārān na gacchanti vṛthāmāṁsaṁ na bhuñjate | dīptam agniṁ juhvate ca gurūṇāṁ vacane sthitāḥ ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Hindi sila nakikipagniig sa mga babae sa labas ng wastong pag-aasawa; hindi sila kumakain ng karne, sapagkat itinuturing nila itong walang saysay; naghahandog sila ng mga alay sa naglalagablab na banal na apoy; at nananatili silang matatag sa pagsunod sa mga utos ng matatanda at mga guro.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises disciplined conduct: sexual restraint within dharma, avoidance of needless harm/indulgence (here framed as abstaining from meat), regular performance of sacrificial duty, and faithful adherence to the guidance of gurus and elders.
Bhīṣma is describing the exemplary practices of righteous, disciplined people—highlighting their controlled senses, ritual commitment, and deference to authoritative instruction as marks of dhārmic life.