Shloka 30
Jaitrya-nimitta: Signs of Prospective Victory and the Priority of Conciliation (जयलक्षण-निमित्त तथा सान्त्व-प्रधान नीति)
विजित्य क्षममाणस्य यशो राज्ञो विवर्धते महापराधे हाप्यस्मिन् विश्वसन्त्यपि शत्रव:
vijitya kṣamamāṇasya yaśo rājño vivardhate | mahāparādhe hy asmin viśvasanty api śatravaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “When a king, having conquered his foes, chooses to forgive them, his fame increases. Indeed, even if they have committed a grave offense against him, enemies come to trust such a ruler—because his victory is joined with restraint and magnanimity rather than vindictiveness.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s greatness is shown not only by conquering but by forgiving after conquest; such kṣamā (forbearance) increases fame and creates durable trust, even among former enemies.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma advises Yudhiṣṭhira on statecraft and moral governance, emphasizing that mercy after victory stabilizes rule and transforms hostile relations into confidence.