Shloka 8
Kṣātra-dharma in Campaign and Battle: Protection, Purification, and the Ideal Warrior’s End (क्षात्रधर्मः—अभियानयुद्धे रक्षणदानशुद्धिः)
यो भूतानि धनाक्रान्त्या वधात् क्लेशाच्च रक्षति । दस्युभ्य: प्राणदानात् स धनद: सुखदो विराट्
yo bhūtāni dhanākrāntyā vadhāt kleśāc ca rakṣati | dasyubhyaḥ prāṇadānāt sa dhanadaḥ sukhado virāṭ |
Bhishma sprach: Der König, der Lebewesen davor bewahrt, von Vermögensverlust überwältigt zu werden, vor Tötung und vor Leid—der sie, indem er sie vor Räubern schützt, gleichsam mit Leben beschenkt—, ein solcher Herrscher gilt dem Volk als mächtiger Herr, als Spender von Reichtum und als Spender von Glück.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is defined by protection: preventing economic ruin, violence, and suffering, and ensuring public security against banditry. By preserving life and stability, the ruler becomes a true source of prosperity and happiness for the people.
In Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, Bhishma continues advising on the duties of rulership, praising the ideal king who safeguards subjects from harm—especially from robbers and social disorder—thereby sustaining life and welfare.