Shloka 12
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
न हिंस्यात् परवित्तानि देयं काले च दापयेत् । विक्रान्त: सत्यवाक् क्षान्तो नृपो न चलते पथ:
na hiṁsyāt paravittāni deyaṁ kāle ca dāpayet | vikrāntaḥ satyavāk kṣānto nṛpo na calate pathaḥ ||
يعلّم بهيشما أن الملك لا ينبغي له أن يؤذي أو يبدّد أموال الآخرين، وعليه أن يضمن أن ما استُحقّ لأحدٍ يُؤدّى إليه في وقته. والحاكم الشجاع، الصادق في قوله، الحليم الصبور لا يزيغ عن الطريق القويم لراجدَهرما والدهرما.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is to protect others’ property, ensure timely fulfillment of dues, and cultivate courage, truthfulness, and patience; these virtues keep rulership aligned with the righteous path.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma is advising the king on practical ethical governance—non-injury to subjects’ wealth, proper administration of payments, and the personal virtues required for stable, righteous rule.