Shloka 16
दीर्घदर्शी–दीर्घसूत्र–संप्रतिपत्तिमान् आख्यानम्
The Parable of Foresight, Procrastination, and Presence of Mind
अपापो होवमाचार: क्षिप्रं बहुमतो भवेत् । सुखं च चित्र भुड्जीत कृतेनैकेन गोपयेत्,ऐसे आचरणवाला पुरुष पापहीन हो शीघ्र ही बहुसंख्यक मनुष्योंके आदरका पात्र हो जाता है, नाना प्रकारके सुखोंका उपभोग करता है और अपने किये हुए विशेष सत्कर्मके प्रभावसे अपनी रक्षा कर लेता है। लोकमें सर्वत्र उसका आदर होने लगता है तथा वह इहलोक और परलोकमें भी महान् फलका भागी होता है
apāpo hovamācāraḥ kṣipraṃ bahumato bhavet | sukhaṃ ca citra bhuñjīta kṛtenaikena gopayet ||
Bhishma says: A person whose conduct is free from sin quickly becomes widely respected. He enjoys varied kinds of happiness, and by the power of even a single well-performed virtuous deed he safeguards himself. Thus he comes to be honored everywhere in the world and becomes a sharer of great results both here and hereafter.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sinless, disciplined conduct (ācāra) quickly brings broad social esteem and diverse happiness; moreover, even a single strong act of virtue can function as protective merit, yielding benefits in both this life and the next.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira on dharma and right living, emphasizing how moral conduct and even one decisive good deed generate protection, honor, and lasting results.