Shloka 8
अध्याय ६ — युधिष्ठिरस्य वैराग्य-वाक्यं धृतराष्ट्रस्य वनगमनाभिलाषश्च
Chapter 6: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Renunciatory Appeal and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Resolve for the Forest
यदा परे च बलिन: स्वपक्षश्वैव दुर्बल: । सार्ध विद्वांस्तदा क्षीण: परै: संधिं समाश्रयेत्,परंतु जब शत्रु-पक्ष प्रबल और अपना ही पक्ष दुर्बल हो, उस समय क्षीणशक्ति विद्वान् पुरुष शत्रुओंके साथ संधि कर ले
yadā pare ca balinaḥ svapakṣaś caiva durbalaḥ | sārdhaṃ vidvāṃs tadā kṣīṇaḥ paraiḥ sandhiṃ samāśrayet |
When the opposing side is strong and one’s own faction is weak, then a wise person—recognizing his diminished power—should take refuge in making a treaty with the adversaries. The counsel emphasizes prudence and the preservation of life and order over futile confrontation when circumstances are unfavorable.
धघतयाट्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
If the enemy is stronger and one’s own side is weak, wisdom lies in choosing a treaty (sandhi) rather than persisting in a destructive struggle; ethical prudence can require restraint and strategic peace.
A speaker offers counsel in the form of a general maxim of political-moral conduct: assessing relative strength, a weakened but discerning person should seek peace with opponents when conditions are unfavorable.