Shloka 50
Bhīṣma’s Yogic Departure, Royal Cremation, and Gaṅgā’s Lament (भीष्मस्य योगयुक्त्या देहत्यागः, पितृमेधः, गङ्गाविलापः)
धर्मेणापि सदा राजन् प्रजा रक्षितुमरहसि । यस्तस्य विपुलो दण्ड: सम्यग्धर्म: स कीर्त्यते,राजन! तुम धर्मपूर्वक सदा प्रजाकी रक्षा करते रहो। प्रजापालनके लिये जो दण्डका उचित उपयोग किया जाता है, वह धर्म ही कहलाता है
dharmeṇāpi sadā rājan prajā rakṣitum arhasi | yas tasya vipulo daṇḍaḥ samyag-dharmaḥ sa kīrtyate ||
Bhishma said: “O King, you must always protect the people, and do so in accordance with dharma. The strong and effective use of punishment that serves this purpose—when applied rightly—is itself what is called true dharma.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s primary duty is the protection of the people, and the rightful, well-judged application of punishment (daṇḍa) for public order is not opposed to dharma; when used properly for prajā-rakṣaṇa, it is itself ‘true dharma.’
In the Anushasana Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma is advising the king (Yudhishthira) on governance and ethical rule, emphasizing that maintaining order through appropriate discipline is part of righteous kingship.