Shloka 20
Anuśāsana-parva Adhyāya 112: Dharma as the sole companion; karmic witnesses; rebirth sequences
Bṛhaspati–Yudhiṣṭhira Saṃvāda
यथा बल क्रियाहीनं क्रिया वा बलवर्जिता । नेह साधयते कार्य समायुक्ता तु सिध्यति
yathā bala-kriyā-hīnaṁ kriyā vā bala-varjitā | neha sādhayate kāryaṁ samāyuktā tu sidhyati ||
Bhīṣma said: Just as strength without effective action, or action devoid of strength, cannot accomplish a task in this world, so too a work succeeds only when both are properly united.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Success in any undertaking—especially one aligned with dharma—requires the union of capability (bala) and effective effort (kriyā). Either one alone is insufficient; coordinated strength and action bring results.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma continues instructing on dharma and right conduct. Here he offers a concise maxim: practical outcomes depend on harmonizing power/resources with purposeful action.