Shloka 67
तस्मात् प्रत्यक्षदृष्टो 5पि युक्तो हार्थ: परीक्षितुम् । परीक्ष्य ज्ञापयन्नर्थान्न पश्चात् परितप्यते,“इसलिये प्रत्यक्ष दिखायी देनवाली वस्तुकी भी परीक्षा करनी उचित है। जो परीक्षा लेकर भले-बुरेकी जाँच करके किसी कार्यके लिये आज्ञा देता है, उसे पीछे पछताना नहीं पड़ता
tasmāt pratyakṣadṛṣṭo 'pi yukto hārthaḥ parīkṣitum | parīkṣya jñāpayann arthān na paścāt paritapyate ||
Therefore, even what is directly seen should be examined with discernment. One who first tests and verifies matters—ascertaining what is good or harmful—and then issues instructions for action, does not later fall into regret.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not act merely on appearances, even if something seems directly evident. Proper conduct requires examination and verification; decisions made after careful scrutiny prevent later remorse.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on righteous conduct and governance, Bhīṣma teaches the listener that a leader should investigate matters thoroughly and only then give orders, because such deliberation safeguards against future regret.