Shloka 13
Śakra–Śambara Saṃvāda: Brāhmaṇa-sevā, Anasūyā, and Vāg-bala (शक्रशम्बरसंवादः)
सर्वकर्मसहा श्षान्ये पार्थिवेष्वितरेषु च । विविधाकारययुक्ताश्न ब्राह्मणा भरतर्षभ
sarvakarmasahā śāny(e) pārthiveṣv itareṣu ca | vividhākārayuktāś ca brāhmaṇā bharatarṣabha ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “O toro sa angkan ng mga Bharata, ang mga brāhmaṇa ay may kakayahang gumanap ng lahat ng uri ng gawain—maging sa paglilingkod sa mga hari o sa piling ng ibang tao. Taglay ang sari-saring anyo at tungkulin, nakaaangkop sila sa maraming paraan.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes the versatility and broad competence attributed to Brahmanas: they can perform many kinds of work across royal and non-royal settings, adapting their roles and outward modes as circumstances require, while remaining within the ethical frame of dharma.
In Anushasana Parva, Bhishma continues instructing the listener (addressed as ‘Bharatarshabha’) on dharma and social conduct. Here he remarks on how Brahmanas function in society—serving kings and others, and taking on diverse roles—within his wider discourse on duties and proper order.