Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 15
Adhyāya 57: Tapas–Dāna Phala
On the Fruits of Austerity and Giving
गीतध्वनिं सुमधुरं तथैवाध्यापनध्वनिम् । हंसान् सुमधुरांश्चापि तत्र शुश्राव पार्थिव:
gītadhvaniṃ sumadhuraṃ tathaivādhyāpanadhvanim | haṃsān sumadhurāṃś cāpi tatra śuśrāva pārthivaḥ ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “Doon, narinig ng hari, kung minsan, ang napakatamis na tunog ng awit; kung minsan naman, ang maringal at taimtim na alingawngaw ng pagbigkas ng Veda; at muli, ang kaaya-ayang tawag ng mga sisne. Ipinahihiwatig ng tanawing iyon ang isang daigdig na inayos ng dharma—kung saan ang marangal na aliw, disiplinadong pag-aaral, at pagkakasundo ng kalikasan ay nagsasama nang walang labis.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A dharmic realm is marked by balanced cultivation: refined arts (music), disciplined sacred learning (Vedic recitation), and a peaceful natural environment. The verse suggests that ethical governance supports both culture and spiritual practice, producing harmony rather than noise or disorder.
Bhishma describes what the king hears in that place—alternating sounds of melodious singing, the grave cadence of Vedic study, and the sweet calls of swans—painting an atmosphere of serenity, learning, and well-ordered royal life.