Shloka 15
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
संधातव्यं बुधैर्नित्यं व्यवस्य च हितार्थिभि: । अमिन्रैरपि संधेयं प्राणा रक्ष्या हि भारत
sandhātavyaṁ budhair nityaṁ vyavasya ca hitārthibhiḥ | amitrair api sandheyaṁ prāṇā rakṣyā hi bhārata ||
قال بهيشما: إن الحكماء، وقد عزموا عزمًا ثابتًا على ما هو نافع حقًّا، ينبغي لهم أن يلتمسوا دائمًا التحالف والمصالحة. وإذا اقتضت الضرورة، فليعقدوا السِّلم حتى مع الأعداء—يا بهاراتا—فإن صون الحياة واجب دائم حقًّا.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches pragmatic dharma in governance: one should consistently pursue alliances and reconciliation for the sake of welfare, and even conclude peace with enemies when required, because protecting life is a paramount obligation.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship and conduct, Bhishma counsels Yudhisthira on policy: a ruler (or wise person) should not cling to hostility; strategic peace and the preservation of life can be ethically justified when it serves true welfare.