Shloka 30
Adhyāya 64: Dāna-prakāra—Suvarṇa, Pānīya-dāna, Ghṛta-dāna, and Upakaraṇa-dāna
Utility Gifts
यस्य सम विषये राज्ञ: स्नातक: सीदति क्षुधा । अवृद्धिमेति तद्राष्ट्र विच्दते सहराजकम्
yasya sama-viṣaye rājñaḥ snātakaḥ sīdati kṣudhā | avṛddhim eti tad-rāṣṭraṃ vicchidyate sa-rājakam ||
毗湿摩说道：“在那位以平等无私之政统御的君王国中，若有一位受戒成礼的婆罗门（snātaka）因饥饿而困苦，则国之昌盛便会停滞；确实，那邦国——连同其君主——将分崩离析，落入敌对诸王之手。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s legitimacy and prosperity depend on upholding dharma through care of the deserving—especially learned, disciplined Brahmins (snātakas). If such a person suffers hunger within the king’s domain, it signals systemic unrighteousness; the result is stagnation, fragmentation, and eventual loss of the kingdom to enemies.
Bhishma is instructing on rajadharma (the duties of kings) in the Anushasana Parva. He warns that neglecting the welfare of a snātaka Brahmin—allowing him to be afflicted by hunger—brings political and material consequences: the state’s growth stops and the realm collapses along with its ruler.