Shloka 443
उपदेशदोषप्रसङ्गः (Upadeśa-doṣa-prasaṅgaḥ) — The Risk of Misapplied Counsel
कथाभिरनुकूलाभी राजानं चाभ्यरोचयत् । तदनन्तर एक दिन पुरोहितजी राजासे एकान्तमें मिले और मनोनुकूल कथाएँ सुनाकर राजाको प्रसन्न करने लगे
kathābhir anukūlābhī rājānaṃ cābhyarocayat |
Bhishma said: “With agreeable and pleasing stories, he won the king’s approval and delighted him.” Thereafter, one day, the royal priest met the king in private and, speaking in ways that suited his mind, set about pleasing him.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Speech that is pleasant and well-timed can strongly shape a ruler’s disposition; therefore, advisers must use persuasive narrative responsibly, aligning influence with dharma rather than mere gratification or manipulation.
Bhishma describes someone approaching the king and, by telling agreeable stories, gaining the king’s favor and making him pleased—highlighting the method by which a king may be won over through congenial counsel.