Shloka 42
Daṇḍa-svarūpa-nirūpaṇa
The Nature, Forms, and Function of Daṇḍa
बुद्धिर्दीप्ता बलवन्तं हिनस्ति बल॑ बुद्धया पाल्यते वर्धमानम् । शरत्रुर्बुद्धया सीदते वर्धमानो बुद्धे: पश्चात् कर्म यत्तत् प्रशस्तम्,प्रतिभाशालिनी बुद्धि बलवानको भी पछाड़ देती है। बुद्धिके द्वारा नष्ट होते हुए बलकी भी रक्षा होती है। बढ़ता हुआ शत्रु भी बुद्धिके द्वारा परास्त होकर कष्ट उठाने लगता है। बुद्धिसे सोचकर पीछे जो कर्म किया जाता है, वह सर्वोत्तम होता है
bhīṣma uvāca | buddhir dīptā balavantaṃ hinasti balaṃ buddhyā pālyate vardhamānam | śatrur buddhyā sīdati vardhamāno buddheḥ paścāt karma yat tat praśastam ||
Bhishma said: A keen, illumined intellect can strike down even a mighty man. Strength that is failing can be protected and restored through intelligence. Even an enemy who is growing in power is brought low by wise strategy and begins to suffer. Therefore, the action that is undertaken after reflection—following the guidance of intellect—is the most commendable.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that buddhi (discernment and strategic intelligence) is superior to mere physical power: it can defeat the strong, preserve weakening strength, and subdue even a rising enemy. Actions become truly praiseworthy when they are performed after careful reflection.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira on righteous governance and conduct after the war. Here he emphasizes the practical-ethical value of deliberation and intelligence in protecting oneself and the kingdom and in dealing with enemies.