Shloka 53
मृदु-तीक्ष्ण-नीति तथा दुष्टलक्षण-विज्ञानम्
Measured Policy and the Recognition of Malicious Disposition
भीष्म उवाच स तद्वचः शत्रुनिबर्हणे रत- स्तथा चकारावितथं बृहस्पते: । चचार काले विजयाय चारिहा वशं च शत्रूननयत् पुरंदर:
bhīṣma uvāca | sa tadvacaḥ śatrunibarhaṇe rataḥ tathā cakārāvitathaṁ bṛhaspateḥ | cacāra kāle vijayāya cārihā vaśaṁ ca śatrūn anayat purandaraḥ ||
Bhishma said: Indra, the destroyer of foes, ever intent on suppressing enemies, heard the truthful counsel of Brihaspati and acted exactly in accordance with it. Setting out at the proper time to secure victory, that foe-subduer, Purandara, brought all his enemies under his control. The ethical point is that success in righteous conflict depends not merely on strength, but on heeding wise guidance and choosing the right time for action.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Victory and effective governance arise from following truthful, expert counsel and acting at the proper time (kāla). Strength alone is insufficient; disciplined strategy guided by wisdom leads to successful subjugation of hostile forces.
Bhishma tells Yudhishthira that Indra listened to Brihaspati’s accurate advice, acted accordingly, marched at the right moment for victory, and thereby brought his enemies under control.