Shloka 11
Vāmadeva’s Counsel on Rooted Kingship and Non-violent Victory (वामदेवोपदेशः—दृढमूलराजधर्मः)
जिसे श्रेष्ठ पुरुष बुरा समझते हों, बुद्धिमान राजा वैसा कर्म कभी न करे। जिस कार्यको सबके लिये कल्याणकारी समझे, उसीमें अपने आपको लगावे ।।
na enam anye 'vajānanti na ātmanā paritapyate | kṛtyaśeṣeṇa yo rājā sukhāny anububhūṣati ||
যে রাজা কর্তব্য সম্পন্ন করেই সুখ ভোগ করতে চায়, তাকে অন্যেরা অবজ্ঞা করে না, আর সে নিজেও অন্তরে দগ্ধ হয় না।
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should prioritize dharma and the welfare of all, completing obligatory duties before seeking personal enjoyment; such conduct preserves both public respect and inner peace.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on kingship, the sage Vāmadeva addresses the standards of royal conduct, warning against blameworthy actions and praising the king who finishes his responsibilities before turning to pleasure.