13.108
The function or position of elder and younger.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O best of the Bharatas, tell me how the eldest behaves among the youngest, and how the youngest ought to behave towards the eldest. (13-108-1)
Bhishma said;
O dear, conduct yourself as you would like an elder; for you are always the elder. O Bharata, the student’s conduct, if it is greater than that of the teacher, is to be followed. (13-108-2)
It is not possible for a disciple to conduct himself under a teacher who lacks developed wisdom. For the far-sightedness that belongs to the teacher is (for) the disciple, O Bhārata. (13-108-3)
Even a blind person at the time of blindness, a dull or even a wise person—if there is a transgression by any of them, it should be stated through circumvention. (13-108-4)
Men with divided hearts, O son of Kunti, would openly cause division in actions; enemies distressed by wealth, desiring dissension, also act so. (13-108-5)
The eldest son either causes the family to prosper or destroys it; in fact, if such an eldest is born, he may even destroy the entire family. (13-108-6)
If an elder brother should deprive the younger (of his share), he, being not the eldest, should be made shareless and restrained by the kings. (13-108-7)
Indeed, by wickedness, a man certainly goes to evil worlds without doubt. Just like the flower of the vidula tree is considered vain for the one who produced it. (13-108-8)
Where a sinful man is born in a family, all misfortunes follow; he causes disgrace, and indeed destroys any fame. (13-108-9)
All brothers who are engaged in wrongful actions do not deserve a share. The elder should not perform the marriage ceremony without having given their shares to the younger brothers. (13-108-10)
Indeed, a younger brother rightfully inherits the father's estate; the fruit of travel comes to the one who journeys; but what a person has obtained by his own effort, he does not have to give if he is unwilling. (13-108-11)
If the property acquired by undivided brothers is joint, the father should by no means give an unequal share to the sons. (13-108-12)
One should not disregard elders, whether one is wicked or even virtuous; even if a woman or a younger person perceives what is good, one should act accordingly; for they say righteousness is the highest good, thus knowers of dharma know. (13-108-13)
A sub-teacher is equal to ten teachers. The father is equal to ten sub-teachers. The mother is equal to ten fathers or even the whole earth. (13-108-14)
There is no teacher equal to the mother because she surpasses all in respect. Therefore, people consider the mother greater. (13-108-15)
O Bhārata, when the father is dead, the eldest brother should be regarded as equal to the father; he should support and protect his brothers. (13-108-16)
All the younger ones, all who follow the will of elders, should bow to him; and they should subsist upon him alone, just as they do with the father. (13-108-17)
O Bhārata, the father and mother create the body, but the birth given by the teacher-instructor is the true one; that birth is undecaying and immortal. (13-108-18)
O best of the Bharatas, the elder sister is like a mother. Similarly, a sister and the wife of one's brother, as also any woman whose breast was suckled in childhood, should be regarded in the same way. (13-108-19)
