Shloka 16
त्वं चापि प्रतियुद्धयेथा विजिगीषुव्रते स्थित: । अयुध्वैव नियोगान्मे वशे कुरु हिते स्थित:,उस समय तुम भी विजयाभिलाषी राजाके व्रतमें स्थित हो इसके साथ युद्ध करोगे ही। अतः मेरी आज्ञा मानकर इसके हित-साधनमें तत्पर हो जाओ और युद्ध किये बिना ही इसे वशमें कर लो
tvaṃ cāpi pratiyuddhyethā vijigīṣuvrate sthitaḥ | ayudhvaiva niyogān me vaśe kuru hite sthitaḥ ||
قال بهيشما: «وأنت أيضًا، ما دمت قائمًا على نذر الملك الطالب للغلبة، فستقاتله لا محالة. فاطِع أمري: اقصد خيره، وأخضعه لسلطانك من غير قتال.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one is committed to conquest, dharma can require restraint: the higher aim is welfare (hita). Bhishma advises achieving control through non-violent means when possible, prioritizing benefit over mere victory.
Bhishma instructs the listener (a ruler or would-be conqueror) that battle is likely given his conquering resolve, but commands him instead to act for the other party’s good and to bring him under control without resorting to fighting.