Shloka 3
Chapter 15: Counsel on Initiative vs. Renunciation in the Rajasuya Project (सभापर्व, अध्याय १५)
कथं परानुभावज्ञ: स्वं प्रशंसितुमरहति । परेण समवेतस्तु यः प्रशस्य: स पूज्यते
kathaṁ parānubhāvajñaḥ svaṁ praśaṁsitum arhati | pareṇa samavetastu yaḥ praśasyaḥ sa pūjyate ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “How can one who understands the greatness and influence of others be fit to praise himself? Rather, the one who remains truly worthy of praise even when set beside another—when comparison is unavoidable—he alone is honored everywhere.”
युधिछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Self-praise is ethically improper for one who truly recognizes others’ merits; genuine excellence is validated when it withstands comparison and is acknowledged by others, leading to rightful honor.
In the Sabha Parva court setting, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks with restraint and humility, emphasizing that true praise and public honor arise from demonstrated worth rather than self-advertisement.