Shloka 19
Jarāsandha–Vāsudeva Saṃvāda: Kṣātra-Dharma, Pride, and the Ethics of Coercion
Sabhā Parva, Adhyāya 20
एवं प्रज्ञानयबलं क्रियोपायसमन्वितम् | पुरस्कुर्वीत कार्येषु कृष्णं कार्यार्थसिद्धये
evaṁ prajñānaya-balaṁ kriyopāya-samanvitam | puraskurvīta kāryeṣu kṛṣṇaṁ kāryārtha-siddhaye ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Thus, for the accomplishment of one’s aims and undertakings, it is fitting in every enterprise to place Kṛṣṇa at the forefront—Kṛṣṇa who is endowed with discernment and right policy, strength, energetic action, and practical means—so that the intended purpose may be successfully fulfilled.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Success in any undertaking requires a complete set of virtues—clear discernment (prajñā), prudent policy (naya), strength (bala), energetic action (kriyā), and effective means (upāya). Yudhiṣṭhira teaches that Kṛṣṇa embodies this integrated excellence; therefore, one should prioritize his guidance and leadership to ensure the rightful and effective completion of one’s aims.
In the Sabha Parva’s courtly context, Yudhiṣṭhira is speaking about how great objectives are achieved in public and political life. He emphasizes that when important tasks are to be carried out, Kṛṣṇa should be placed at the head of the endeavor—both as a practical strategist and as the most reliable guide—so that the intended purpose is accomplished without misstep.