Bhīṣma on the Śara-Śayyā: Yudhiṣṭhira and Kṛṣṇa Approach the Eldest for Śānti
सत्ये तपसि दाने च यज्ञाधिकरणे तथा । धनुर्वेदे च वेदे च नीत्यां चैवानुरक्षणे
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
satye tapasi dāne ca yajñādhikaraṇe tathā |
dhanurvede ca vede ca nītyāṃ caivānurakṣaṇe |
قال فايشَمبايانا: «في الصدق، والزهد، والعطاء؛ وفي إقامة اليَجْنَا وإدارتها على وجهها؛ وفي إتقان علم الرمي بالقوس (دهنورفيدا) والڤيدا؛ وفي سياسة المُلك مع حماية الرعية—في كل ذلك لم أسمع بمقاتلِ عربةٍ عظيمٍ يساويك».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Excellence is measured not only by martial skill but by a complete dharmic profile: truthfulness, disciplined austerity, generosity, correct ritual responsibility, scriptural learning, sound policy, and the protective care of subjects.
Within the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Vaiśampāyana reports praise that highlights a warrior-ruler’s comprehensive virtues—linking Vedic authority, military competence, and ethical kingship through the duty of protecting the people.