Shloka 6
जनकस्य युद्धोपदेशः — Janaka’s Instruction on Steadfast Battle-Conduct
तान् दृष्टवारीन् विजयत भूत्वा संत्यागबुद्धय: । नरकस्याप्रतिष्ठस्य मा भूत वशवर्तिन:
tān dṛṣṭvā rārīn vijayat bhūtvā saṃtyāgabuddhayaḥ | narakasyāpratiṣṭhasya mā bhūta vaśavartinaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “Having beheld both the realms called heaven and hell, stand firm in battle with a resolute mind ready to relinquish life, and win victory over your foes. Do not become subject to that hell which has no true standing or refuge.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma urges steadfast performance of one’s duty without fear of death: having reflected on the consequences symbolized by heaven and hell, one should act with courageous resolve and not fall under degrading, destabilizing impulses that lead to ‘hell’—a state without true support or honor.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs and exhorts the listeners (kṣatriya context) to stand firm in battle, accept the possibility of sacrificing life, and strive for victory over enemies, while warning them not to become subservient to the path that leads to hell.