Mahabharata — Shanti Parva, Shloka 26
Adhyāya 159 — Dāna–Dakṣiṇā, Āpaddharma Measures, and Prāyaścitta Classifications
सर्वोपकारिणो वीरा: सर्वधधर्मानुपालका: । सर्वभूतहिताश्ैव सर्वदेयाश्न भारत
sarvopakāriṇo vīrāḥ sarvadharmānupālakāḥ | sarvabhūtahitāś caiva sarvade(y)āś ca bhārata bharatanandana ||
毗湿摩说道：“噢，婆罗多啊，婆罗多族之荣光！真正的英雄，乃是普施利益于众者，护持一切达摩者，善愿遍及一切有情者。为他人之故，他们甚至愿舍尽所有财物与身命所系的一切。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ‘hero’ is defined ethically, not merely militarily: one who benefits all, protects dharma in its many forms, seeks the welfare of all beings, and is willing to sacrifice everything for others.
In the Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on righteous conduct and governance after the war. Here he characterizes the ideal noble person/hero by universal benevolence, dharma-protection, and complete generosity.