Shloka 8
Āśrama-dharma: Duties of the Four Life-Stages (आश्रमधर्मः)
आर्जवं भृत्यभरणं नवैते सार्ववर्णिका: । ब्राह्मणस्य तु यो धर्मस्तं ते वक्ष्यामि केवलम्
bhīṣma uvāca | ārjavaṁ bhṛtyabharaṇaṁ navaite sārvavarṇikāḥ | brāhmaṇasya tu yo dharmas taṁ te vakṣyāmi kevalam ||
毗湿摩说道：“坦诚正直与扶养依赖于己者之责——连同其余诸行——合为九种行持，利益一切种姓。然今我将为汝宣说唯属婆罗门之法（dharma）。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma distinguishes between (1) ethical duties that are universal—beneficial for all varṇas—and (2) duties that are specific to the Brahmin. This verse serves as a transition: it affirms common moral foundations (like straightforwardness and supporting dependents) before moving to Brahmin-specific dharma.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma is advising Yudhishthira on dharma after the war. Here he concludes a list of nine general duties shared by all and signals that he will next explain the particular obligations of Brahmins.