Shloka 8
ये न लोभान्नयन्त्यर्थान् राजानो रजसान्विता: । विषयान् परिरक्षन्ति दुर्गाण्यतितरन्ति ते,जो रजोगुणसम्पन्न राजा लोभवश प्रजाके धनका अपहरण नहीं करते हैं और अपने राज्यकी सब ओरसे रक्षा करते हैं, वे भी दुर्गम दुःखोंको लाँघ जाते हैं
ye na lobhān nayanty arthān rājāno rajasānvitāḥ | viṣayān parirakṣanti durgāṇy atitaranti te ||
Bhishma said: Kings who, though influenced by the quality of rajas, do not let greed drive them to seize wealth, and who protect their realm and its resources on every side—such rulers cross over even formidable hardships and seemingly impassable dangers.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler may possess rajas (drive and ambition), but must not be ruled by lobha (greed). Ethical restraint in revenue and property, combined with vigilant protection of the kingdom, enables a king to overcome even severe crises.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, Bhishma advises Yudhishthira about the qualities of good governance, praising kings who avoid greedy expropriation and who actively safeguard their territories and resources.