Shloka 23
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
नालसाः: प्राप्तुवन्त्यर्थानू न क्लीबा नाभिमानिन: । न च लोकरवाद् भीता न वै शश्चत् प्रतीक्षिण:
nālasāḥ prāpnuvanty arthān na klībā nābhimāninaḥ | na ca lokaravād bhītā na vai śaśvat pratīkṣiṇaḥ ||
Bhīṣma sprach: Die Trägen erreichen ihre Ziele nicht; ebenso wenig die Feigen und die Hochmütigen. Auch nicht jene, die sich vor dem Gerede der Leute fürchten, noch jene, die ewig auf den „rechten Zeitpunkt“ warten. In Fragen des Dharma wie des weltlichen Erfolgs gehört das Gelingen den Standhaften und Mutigen, die ohne Eitelkeit und ohne Furcht vor Klatsch handeln.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that success in rightful aims requires active effort and inner strength: laziness, cowardice, ego, fear of public criticism, and endless postponement are obstacles that prevent attainment.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma is advising Yudhiṣṭhira on conduct and practical ethics after the war, emphasizing qualities needed to accomplish dharmic and worldly objectives.