Shloka 53
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
अद्वारेण रिपोर्गेह द्वारेण सुहृदो गुहान् । प्रविशन्ति नरा धीरा द्वाराण्येतानि धर्मत:,धीर मनुष्य शत्रुके घरमें बिना दरवाजेके और मित्रके घरमें दरवाजेसे जाते हैं। शत्रु और मित्रके लिये ये धर्मत: द्वार बतलाये गये हैं
advāreṇa ripor gehaṃ dvāreṇa suhṛdo guhān | praviśanti narā dhīrā dvārāṇy etāni dharmataḥ ||
The wise enter an enemy’s house by a way that is not the door, but they enter a friend’s dwelling by the proper door. Such are the rightful ‘doors’ laid down by dharma in dealing with foe and friend—caution and secrecy toward the hostile, openness and propriety toward the well-disposed.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma requires different modes of approach: toward an enemy one should be guarded and indirect, while toward a friend one should be open and proper. Wisdom lies in discerning context and acting with fitting caution or trust.
Śrī Kṛṣṇa states a rule of practical dharma: how a prudent person should ‘enter’ or approach the sphere of an enemy versus that of a friend—symbolically prescribing secrecy and vigilance with foes, and straightforward, respectful conduct with allies.