Shloka 146
Nakṣatra-yoga-anusāreṇa Dāna-vidhiḥ
Gifts prescribed according to lunar mansions and yogas
येषां दारा: प्रतीक्षन्ते पर्जन्यमिव कर्षका: । जैसे किसान वर्षाकी बाट जोहते रहते हैं
yeṣāṃ dārāḥ pratīkṣante parjanyam iva karṣakāḥ |
Bhishma nói: “Những người mà vợ họ mòn mỏi chờ đợi—như nông phu chờ mưa—ngồi ở nhà trông ngóng bữa ăn, dỗ dành con trẻ rằng: ‘Cha con sắp về ngay, mang cơm đến đó’—những Bà-la-môn như thế đã từng ăn tại nhà ngươi rồi trở về nhà họ hay chưa?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical urgency of dāna and hospitality: neglecting to feed deserving guests—especially Brahmins dependent on alms—creates real suffering at home, where families wait for sustenance. One should give in time, with empathy for those who rely on one’s generosity.
Bhishma, instructing on dharma, poses a pointed question to his listener: whether Brahmins whose households are anxiously awaiting food have been properly fed and sent home satisfied. The image of farmers waiting for rain intensifies the sense of dependence and distress.