13.035
Bhishma said.
A brāhmaṇa, greatly fortunate, is by birth called such; he is worthy of reverence, the guest of all beings, and the one who partakes of what is first offered. (13-35-1)
Dear one, the brāhmaṇas, who are well-wishers to all and partake of all food, with pleasant faces and auspicious words, being honored, meditate upon you. (13-35-2)
Dear one, all our enemies, the brāhmaṇas whose anger has arisen, if not honored, might attack us with harsh words. (13-35-3)
Here, the knowers of old recite verses called the songs of Brahman; having created the twice-born, the creator indeed established them as before. (13-35-4)
You have nothing else to do here beyond what is prescribed by rule. Protect the Veda, and by means of wealth, protect the highest good, which is excellent. (13-35-5)
For those who perform their own actions, brahmanic prosperity will be yours; you will become the standard for all beings and attain acceptance. (13-35-6)
A wise brāhmaṇa should not perform the work of a śūdra. For one who does the work of a śūdra, righteousness is indeed hindered. (13-35-7)
You will attain pure greatness—prosperity, intellect, splendor, power, and radiance—indeed, by self-study. (13-35-8)
Having offered and placed on the Ahavanīya fire, established in great fortune, the foremost portions to be eaten of the offspring, endowed with prosperity, are arranged according to the Brahmanical order. (13-35-9)
Endowed with supreme faith and engaged in what is obtained without hostility, devoted to self-restraint and self-study, you will attain all desires. (13-35-10)
Whatever exists in the human world and whatever among the gods, all of that can be accomplished by austerity, by knowledge, and by humility. (13-35-11)
Thus, O sinless one, these Brahma Gītās have been fully explained to you by me; this was spoken by the wise for the sake of compassion for the Brāhmaṇa. (13-35-12)
I think their strength is even greater, like that of the king ascetic; they are difficult to approach, fierce, impetuous, and quick to act. (13-35-13)
Among these, there are beings with the nature of lions, and others with the nature of tigers; likewise, there are others with the nature of boars and deer, and others with the nature of elephants. (13-35-14)
Some are as soft as cotton, others touch like crocodiles; some kill with words, others are destroyers of sight. (13-35-15)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, among the brāhmaṇas here, there are some whose conduct is like venomous snakes, there are others who are dull, and there are various other types of conduct as well. (13-35-16)
The Mekalas, Dravidians, Kāśas, Pauṇḍras, Kollagiris, as well as the Śauṇḍikas, Daradas, Darvas, thieves, Śabaras, and Barbaras. (13-35-17)
The Kirātas, Yavanas, and all those Kṣatriya lineages have become outcastes because of the absence of Brāhmaṇas. (13-35-18)
Because of disrespect towards the Brāhmaṇas, the Asuras became dwellers in water; and by the favor of the Brāhmaṇas, the Devas became inhabitants of heaven. (13-35-19)
It is impossible to touch the sky; the Himalaya mountain cannot be moved; the Ganga cannot be obstructed by a bridge; and Brahmanas are invincible on earth. (13-35-20)
The earth cannot be ruled by opposing a brāhmaṇa; for brāhmaṇas are truly great-souled, and are even regarded as the deities of the gods. (13-35-21)
Always honour them with gifts and service, if you wish to enjoy this earth girdled by the ocean. (13-35-22)
O sinless one, by accepting gifts, the splendor of Brāhmaṇas is indeed diminished. Those who do not desire to accept gifts are also to be protected by you, O sinless one. (13-35-23)
