Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 34
Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
द्रहोन्न मनसा वापि गोषु नित्यं सुखप्रद: । अर्चयेत सदा चैव नमस्कारैश्व पूजयेत्
drohaṁ na manasā vāpi goṣu nityaṁ sukhapradaḥ | arcayet sadā caiva namaskāraiś ca pūjayet ||
Wika ni Vyāsa: “Huwag kailanman magkimkim ng masamang loob sa mga baka, kahit sa isip lamang. Laging kumilos para sa kanilang kapakanan at ginhawa, parangalan sila nang nararapat, at patuloy silang sambahin sa pamamagitan ng magalang na pagpupugay at mga gawa ng paggalang.”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches complete non-malice toward cows—extending even to one’s thoughts—combined with ongoing positive duty: provide them comfort, treat them with due honor, and maintain reverent worship through salutations and respectful service.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-focused setting, Vyāsa delivers a prescriptive dharma statement: how one should relate to cows—internally (no hostile intent) and externally (care, honor, and worship).