Shloka 3
अन्नदान-प्रशंसा (Praise of the Gift of Food) | Annadāna-Praśaṃsā
भीष्म उवाच अभयं सर्वभूतेभ्यो व्यसने चाप्यनुग्रह: । यच्चाभिलषितं दद्यात् तृषितायाभियाचते
bhīṣma uvāca: abhayaṁ sarvabhūtebhyo vyasane cāpy anugrahaḥ | yac cābhilaṣitaṁ dadyāt tṛṣitāyābhiyācate ||
Sabi ni Bhīṣma: Dapat ipagkaloob ang “abhaya”—ang kawalang-takot—sa lahat ng nilalang, at magpakita ng habag kahit sa panahon ng kapighatian. At kapag may uhaw na lumapit na namamalimos, ibigay ang ninanais, ayon sa makakaya, upang tunay na maibsan ang pangangailangan ng humihingi.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is expressed through active benevolence: provide safety and non-threat (abhaya) to all beings, remain compassionate even amid hardship, and practice meaningful charity by giving in a way that genuinely meets the petitioner’s need.
In Bhishma’s instruction on righteous conduct (dharma), he lists practical virtues—assuring others of safety, showing compassion during adversity, and giving to those who beg (especially the thirsty), emphasizing concrete, need-based generosity.