Adhyaya 116

Verse 1

अपना बछ। सा पञ्चदशाधिकशततमो< ध्याय: राजा तथा राजसेवकोंके आवश्यक गुण युधिषछ्िर उवाच पितामह महाप्राज्ञ संशयो मे महानयम्‌ । संछेत्तव्यस्त्वया राजन्‌ भवान्‌ कुलकरो हि नः,युधिष्ठिर बोले--'परमबुद्धिमान्‌ पितामह! मेरे मनमें यह एक महान्‌ संशय बना हुआ है। राजन! आप मेरे उस संदेहका निवारण करें; क्योंकि आप हमारे वंशके प्रवर्तक हैं

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O Grandfather, O greatly wise one—this is a grave doubt that has arisen in my mind. O King, it should be cut away by you; for you are the founder and guiding elder of our lineage.”

Verse 2

पुरुषाणामयं तात दुर्वत्तानां दुरात्मनाम्‌ । कथितो वाक्यसंचारस्ततो विज्ञापयामि ते,तात! आपने दुरात्मा और दुराचारी पुरुषोंके बोलचालकी चर्चा की है; इसीलिये मैं आपसे कुछ निवेदन कर रहा हूँ

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Dear father, you have described the manner of speech and conduct typical of wicked, ill-behaved, and evil-minded men. Therefore, on that basis, I now submit a further request to you, revered sir.”

Verse 3

यद्धितं राज्यतन्त्रस्य कुलस्य च सुखोदयम्‌ । आयत्यां च तदात्वे च क्षेमवृद्धिकरं च यत्‌,आप मुझे ऐसा कोई उपाय बताइये जो हमारे इस राज्यतन्त्रके लिये हितकारक, कुलके लिये सुखदायक, वर्तमान और भविष्यमें भी कल्याणकी वृद्धि करनेवाला, पुत्र और पौत्रोंकी परम्पराके लिये हितकर, राष्ट्रकी उन्नति करनेवाला तथा अन्न, जल और शरीरके लिये भी लाभकारी हो

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Tell me that course of action which is beneficial to the governance of the kingdom and brings happiness to the royal line—one that increases security and prosperity both now and in the future.”

Verse 4

पुत्रपौत्राभिरामं च राष्ट्रवृद्धिकरं च यत्‌ । अन्नपाने शरीरे च हित यत्तद्‌ ब्रवीहि मे,आप मुझे ऐसा कोई उपाय बताइये जो हमारे इस राज्यतन्त्रके लिये हितकारक, कुलके लिये सुखदायक, वर्तमान और भविष्यमें भी कल्याणकी वृद्धि करनेवाला, पुत्र और पौत्रोंकी परम्पराके लिये हितकर, राष्ट्रकी उन्नति करनेवाला तथा अन्न, जल और शरीरके लिये भी लाभकारी हो

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Tell me that course of action which is pleasing and beneficial for sons and grandsons, which promotes the growth and prosperity of the kingdom, and which is wholesome for food and drink and for the body as well.”

Verse 5

अभिषिक्तो हि यो राजा राष्ट्रस्थो मित्रसंवृत: । ससुहृत्समुपेतो वा स कथं रज्जयेत्‌ प्रजा:,जो राजा अपने राज्यपर अभिषिक्त हो देशमें मित्रोंसे घिरा हुआ रहता है, तथा जो हितैषी सुहृदोंसे भी सम्पन्न है, वह किस प्रकार अपनी प्रजाको प्रसन्न रखे?

Yudhiṣṭhira asks: “How should a king—duly consecrated to his realm, established among his people, surrounded by allies, and supported by well-wishing friends—conduct himself so that he may keep his subjects content?”

Verse 6

यो हासत्प्रग्रहरति: स्नेहरागबलात्कृत: । इन्द्रियाणामनीशत्वादसज्जनबु भूषक:,जो असदू वस्तुओंके संग्रहमें अनुरक्त है, स्नेह और रागके वशीभूत हो गया है और इन्द्रियोंपर वश न चलनेके कारण सज्जन बननेकी चेष्टा नहीं करता, उस राजाके उत्तम कुलमें उत्पन्न हुए समस्त सेवक भी विपरीत गुणवाले हो जाते हैं। ऐसी दशामें सेवकोंके रखनेका जो फल धनकी वृद्धि आदि है, उससे वह राजा सर्वथा वंचित रह जाता है

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “A king who is attached to hoarding unworthy things—driven by the force of affection and passion—and who, because he cannot master his senses, does not even aspire to become a good man: even the servants born in excellent families who serve him become possessed of contrary qualities. In such a condition, the king is entirely deprived of the very benefit for which servants are maintained—such as the increase of wealth and the proper management of the realm.”

Verse 7

तस्य भृत्या विगुणतां यान्ति सर्वे कुलोद्वता: । न च भृत्यफलैरर्थ: स राजा सम्प्रयुज्यते,जो असदू वस्तुओंके संग्रहमें अनुरक्त है, स्नेह और रागके वशीभूत हो गया है और इन्द्रियोंपर वश न चलनेके कारण सज्जन बननेकी चेष्टा नहीं करता, उस राजाके उत्तम कुलमें उत्पन्न हुए समस्त सेवक भी विपरीत गुणवाले हो जाते हैं। ऐसी दशामें सेवकोंके रखनेका जो फल धनकी वृद्धि आदि है, उससे वह राजा सर्वथा वंचित रह जाता है

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “All the servants born in that king’s noble lineage fall into bad qualities. And that king gains no benefit from the fruits of having servants—such as the increase of wealth and orderly administration.”

Verse 8

एतन्मे संशयस्यास्य राजधर्मान्‌ सुदुर्विदान्‌ । बृहस्पतिसमो बुद्धया भवान्‌ शंसितुगर्हति,मेरे इस संशयका निवारण करके आप दुर्बोध राजधर्मोंका वर्णन कीजिये; क्योंकि आप बुद्धिमें साक्षात्‌ बृहस्पतिके समान हैं

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Please dispel this doubt of mine and expound the duties of kingship—so difficult to discern. For you, in wisdom, are like Bṛhaspati himself, and are worthy to teach them.”

Verse 9

शंसिता पुरुषव्याप्र त्वन्न: कुलहिते रत: । क्षत्ता चैको महाप्राज्ञो यो न: शंसति सर्वदा,पुरुषसिंह! हमारे कुलके हितमें तत्पर रहनेवाले आप ही हमें ऐसा उपदेश दे सकते हैं। दूसरे हमारे हितैषी महाज्ञानी विदुरजी हैं, जो हमें सर्वदा सदुपदेश दिया करते हैं

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O tiger among men, you are devoted to the welfare of our lineage; you alone can give us such counsel. And there is also Vidura, the chamberlain—uniquely wise—who always instructs us for our good.”

Verse 10

त्वत्त: कुलहितं वाक्यं श्रुत्वा राज्यहितोदयम्‌ । अमृतस्याव्ययस्येव तृप्त: स्वप्स्याम्यहं सुखम्‌,आपके मुखसे कुलके लिये हितकारी तथा राज्यके लिये कल्याणकारी उपदेश सुनकर मैं अक्षय अमृतसे तृप्त होनेके समान सुखसे सोऊँगा

Yudhiṣṭhira said: Having heard from you words that are beneficial to the lineage and that bring about the welfare of the kingdom, I feel satisfied as though filled with imperishable nectar; in that contentment, I shall sleep in peace.

Verse 11

कीदृशा: संनिकर्षस्था भृत्या: सर्वगुणान्विता: । कीदृशै: कि कुलीनैर्वा सह यात्रा विधीयते,कैसे सर्वगुणसम्पन्न सेवक राजाके निकट रहने चाहिये और किस कुलमें उत्पन्न हुए कैसे सैनिकोंके साथ राजाको युद्धकी यात्रा करनी चाहिये?

Yudhiṣṭhira asked: “What kind of attendants—endowed with every virtue—should be kept close at hand? And with what sort of men, and of what noble lineage, should a king undertake a military expedition?”

Verse 12

न होको भृत्यरहितो राजा भवति रक्षिता | राज्यं चेदं॑ जन: सर्वस्तत्कुलीनो$भिकांक्षति,सेवकोंके बिना अकेला राजा राज्यकी रक्षा नहीं कर सकता; क्योंकि उत्तम कुलमें उत्पन्न सभी लोग इस राज्यकी अभिलाषा करते हैं

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “A king, if left without attendants and loyal servants, cannot by himself become the protector. For all the people—especially those of noble lineage—set their desire upon this kingdom.”

Verse 13

भीष्म उवाच नच प्रशास्तुं राज्यं हि शक्यमेकेन भारत । असहायवता तात नैवार्था: केचिदप्युत,भीष्मजीने कहा--तात भरतनन्दन! कोई भी सहायकोंके बिना अकेले राज्य नहीं चला सकता। राज्य ही क्‍या? सहायकोंके बिना किसी भी अर्थकी प्राप्ति नहीं होती। यदि प्राप्ति हो भी गयी तो सदा उसकी रक्षा असम्भव हो जाती है (अतः सेवकों या सहायकोंका होना आवश्यक है)। जिसके सभी सेवक ज्ञान-विज्ञानमें कुशल, हितैषी, कुलीन और स्नेही हों, वही राजा राज्यका फल भोग सकता है

Bhishma said: O Bharata, a kingdom cannot truly be governed by one man alone. Dear child, without helpers, no objective whatsoever can be accomplished; and even if something is gained, its protection cannot be maintained for long. Therefore, attendants and allies are indispensable. Only that king whose servants are skilled in knowledge and practical arts, well-wishing, of good lineage, and affectionate is able to enjoy the fruits of sovereignty.

Verse 14

लब्धुं लब्धा हापि सदा रक्षितुं भरतर्षभ । यस्य भृत्यजन: सर्वो ज्ञानविज्ञानकोविद:,भीष्मजीने कहा--तात भरतनन्दन! कोई भी सहायकोंके बिना अकेले राज्य नहीं चला सकता। राज्य ही क्‍या? सहायकोंके बिना किसी भी अर्थकी प्राप्ति नहीं होती। यदि प्राप्ति हो भी गयी तो सदा उसकी रक्षा असम्भव हो जाती है (अतः सेवकों या सहायकोंका होना आवश्यक है)। जिसके सभी सेवक ज्ञान-विज्ञानमें कुशल, हितैषी, कुलीन और स्नेही हों, वही राजा राज्यका फल भोग सकता है

Bhishma said: “O bull among the Bharatas, even when something has been gained, it is always difficult to protect it. A king cannot govern alone without helpers; indeed, without capable attendants no human aim is accomplished, and even if achieved it cannot be securely preserved. Only that ruler truly enjoys the fruits of sovereignty whose entire body of servants is skilled in knowledge and practical wisdom, well-wishing, well-born, and affectionate.”

Verse 15

हितैषी कुलज: स्निग्ध: स राज्यफलमश्षुते,भीष्मजीने कहा--तात भरतनन्दन! कोई भी सहायकोंके बिना अकेले राज्य नहीं चला सकता। राज्य ही क्‍या? सहायकोंके बिना किसी भी अर्थकी प्राप्ति नहीं होती। यदि प्राप्ति हो भी गयी तो सदा उसकी रक्षा असम्भव हो जाती है (अतः सेवकों या सहायकोंका होना आवश्यक है)। जिसके सभी सेवक ज्ञान-विज्ञानमें कुशल, हितैषी, कुलीन और स्नेही हों, वही राजा राज्यका फल भोग सकता है

Bhishma said: Only that king truly enjoys the fruits of sovereignty whose attendants are competent in knowledge and practical skill, well-born, affectionate, and sincerely devoted to his welfare. For no one can govern a kingdom alone; indeed, no meaningful aim is attained without helpers, and even what is gained cannot be securely protected without them. Therefore, the right kind of servants and allies are essential to stable rule.

Verse 16

मन्त्रिणो यस्य कुलजा असंहार्या: सहोषिता: । नृपतेर्मतिदा: सन्त: सम्बन्धज्ञानकोविदा:,जिसके मन्त्री कुलीन, धनके लोभसे फोड़े न जा सकनेवाले, सदा राजाके साथ रहनेवाले, उन्हें अच्छी बुद्धि देनेवाले, सत्पुरुष, सम्बन्ध-ज्ञानकुशल, भविष्यका भलीभाँति प्रबन्ध करनेवाले, समयके ज्ञानमें निपुण तथा बीती हुई बातके लिये शोक न करनेवाले हों, वही राजा राज्यके फलका भागी होता है

Bhishma said: That king truly becomes a rightful enjoyer of the fruits of sovereignty whose ministers are high-born, incorruptible and not to be bought off by greed, who remain constantly at the king’s side, who give him sound counsel, who are virtuous, and who are skilled in understanding alliances and relationships. Such advisers secure the future through prudent planning and guide the ruler in timely action, without being shaken by regret over what is already past.

Verse 17

अनागतविधातार: कालज्ञानविशारदा: । अतिक्रान्तमशोचन्त: स राज्यफलमश्षुते,जिसके मन्त्री कुलीन, धनके लोभसे फोड़े न जा सकनेवाले, सदा राजाके साथ रहनेवाले, उन्हें अच्छी बुद्धि देनेवाले, सत्पुरुष, सम्बन्ध-ज्ञानकुशल, भविष्यका भलीभाँति प्रबन्ध करनेवाले, समयके ज्ञानमें निपुण तथा बीती हुई बातके लिये शोक न करनेवाले हों, वही राजा राज्यके फलका भागी होता है

Bhīṣma said: The king truly enjoys the fruits of sovereignty when his ministers are men who can plan for what is yet to come, are expert in understanding the right moment and the workings of time, and do not grieve over what has already passed. Such steady, foresighted counsel preserves the realm through prudence rather than regret, and makes kingship ethically effective rather than merely powerful.

Verse 18

समदुःखसुखा यस्य सहाया: प्रियकारिण: । अर्थचिन्तापरा: सत्या: स राज्यफलमश्रुते,जिसके सहायक राजाके सुखमें सुख और दु:खमें दुःख मानते हों, सदा उसका प्रिय करनेवाले हों और राजकीय धन कैसे बढ़े--इसकी चिन्तामें तत्पर तथा सत्यवादी हों, वह राजा राज्यका फल पाता है

Bhishma said: That king truly enjoys the fruits of sovereignty whose companions share his joy and sorrow as their own, who are ever intent on what pleases him, who remain vigilant about increasing the resources of the realm, and who are steadfastly truthful. Such loyal, prudent, and honest aides make kingship fruitful and stable.

Verse 19

यस्य नारतों जनपद: संनिकर्षगत: सदा । अक्षुद्र: सत्यथालम्बी स राजा राज्यभाग्भवेत्‌,जिसका देश दुखी न हो तथा सदा समीपवर्ती बना रहे, जो स्वयं भी छोटे विचारका न होकर सदा सन्मार्गका अवलम्बन करनेवाला हो, वही राजा राज्यका भागी होता है

Bhishma said: That king alone truly deserves a share in sovereignty whose realm is not afflicted, whose people remain steadily within his protective reach, who is not petty-minded, and who stands firmly upon truth and the right path.

Verse 20

कोशाख्यपटलं यस्य कोशवृद्धिकरैनरि: । आप्तैस्तुष्टैश्न सततं चीयते स नृपोत्तम:,विश्वासपात्र, संतोषी तथा खजाना बढ़ानेका सतत प्रयत्न करनेवाले, खजांचियोंके द्वारा जिसके कोषकी सदा वृद्धि हो रही हो, वही राजाओंमें श्रेष्ठ है

Bhīṣma said: “That king is the best among rulers whose treasury—secured under proper administration—keeps steadily increasing through trustworthy and contented officials who are continually engaged in augmenting it.”

Verse 21

कोष्ठागारमसंहार्यराप्तै: संचयतत्परै: । पात्रभूतैरलुब्धैश्व पाल्यमानं गुणी भवेत्‌,यदि लोभवश फूट न सकनेवाले, विश्वासपात्र, संग्रही, सुपात्र एवं निर्लोभ मनुष्य अन्नादि भण्डारकी रक्षामें तत्पर हों तो उसकी विशेष उन्नति होती है

Bhīṣma said: A granary that cannot be broken into, when guarded by trustworthy and capable stewards—people devoted to careful accumulation, fit to be entrusted with responsibility, and free from greed—becomes prosperous and steadily increases in value. The teaching is that resources flourish when protected by integrity, competence, and restraint rather than by covetousness.

Verse 22

व्यवहारक्ष नगरे यस्य कर्मफलोदय: । दृश्यते शंखलिखित: स धर्मफलभाडू नृप:,जिसके नगरमें कर्मके अनुसार फलकी प्राप्तिका प्रतिपादन करनेवाले शंख-लिखित मुनिके बनाये हुए न्याय-व्यवहारका पालन होता देखा जाता है, वह राजा धर्मके फलका भागी होता है

Bhishma said: That king is deemed a sharer in the fruits of Dharma in whose city one can be seen the orderly administration of justice—set down by the sages Śaṅkha and Likhita—where outcomes are allotted in accordance with each person’s deeds. The ruler’s merit lies in upholding a public order that makes moral causality effective through fair governance.

Verse 23

संगृहीतमनुष्यश्न यो राजा राजधर्मवित्‌ । षड्वर्ग प्रतिगृह्लाति स धर्मफलमश्लुते,जो राजा राजधर्मको जानता और अपने यहाँ अच्छे लोगोंको जुटाकर रखता है तथा अवसरके अनुसार संधि, विग्रह, यान, आसन, द्वैधीभाव एवं समाश्रय नामक छ: गुणोंका उपयोग करता है, वह धर्मके फलका भागी होता है

Bhishma said: The king who understands the duties of kingship, who keeps worthy people gathered and supported in his service, and who, as circumstances require, employs the six measures of statecraft—making peace, waging war, marching forth, remaining stationed, pursuing a double policy, and seeking shelter or alliance—such a ruler partakes of the fruits of dharma.

Verse 114

इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत शान्तिपर्वके अन्तर्गत राजधर्मानुशासनपर्वमें एक सौ चौदहवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ

Thus ends the one hundred and fourteenth chapter of the Rājadharmānuśāsana section within the Śānti Parva of the sacred Mahābhārata—concluding Bhīṣma’s instruction on the duties and ethical governance of kings.

Verse 115

इति श्रीमहाभारते शान्तिपर्वणि राजधर्मानुशासनपर्वणि पजञ्चदशाधिकशततमो<ध्याय:

Thus ends the one-hundred-and-fifteenth chapter in the Śānti Parva of the Śrī Mahābhārata, within the instruction on royal duties (Rājadharma). This colophon marks the close of the chapter, wherein Bhīṣma’s guidance on kingship and governance is concluded for this unit.