Shloka 2
Nṛga-upākhyāna: Brāhmaṇa-sva and the Consequence of Misappropriated Gift-Cattle (कृकलास-रूपे नृगोपाख्यानम्)
भीष्म उवाच उपानहीौ प्रयच्छेद् यो ब्राह्मणे भ्य: समाहित: । मर्दते कण्टकान् सर्वान् विषमान्निस्तरत्यपि
bhīṣma uvāca | upānahau prayacched yo brāhmaṇebhyaḥ samāhitaḥ | mardate kaṇṭakān sarvān viṣamān nistaraty api |
Wika ni Bhishma: “O Yudhiṣṭhira, ang sinumang may natipong diwa at taimtim na nag-aalay ng sapin sa paa para sa mga brāhmaṇa ay dinudurog ang lahat ng ‘tinik’ (mga hadlang) at nakakatawid maging sa magagaspang na kapighatian. Siya’y umaangat sa ibabaw ng mga kaaway; at sa susunod na kapanganakan ay magkakamit ng maningning na sasakyan—isang karwaheng hila ng mga mula.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches the dharmic value of dāna: giving practical support (here, footwear) to worthy recipients with a focused, sincere mind yields protection from obstacles and helps one overcome hardships; it also brings favorable karmic results in future lives.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on duties and the fruits of various gifts. Here he describes the specific merit (phala) of donating footwear to Brāhmaṇas—symbolically removing ‘thorns’ from one’s path and ensuring success and auspicious future attainments.