Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, 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 |
毗湿摩说道：“那些人的妻子怀着焦灼的希望等待着——如同农夫等待甘霖——坐在家中盼着食物，又哄慰孩子说：‘你们的父亲马上就会带着饭食回来’——这样的婆罗门，曾在你家受食之后回到他们自己的家中吗？”
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.