Shloka 5
दीर्घदर्शी–दीर्घसूत्र–संप्रतिपत्तिमान् आख्यानम्
The Parable of Foresight, Procrastination, and Presence of Mind
बह्वदपथ्यं बलवति न किंचित् क्रियते भयात् । उभौ सत्याधिकारस्थौ त्रायेते महतो भयात्,बलवान पुरुषमें बहुत-सी बुराई होती है तो भी भयके मारे उसके विषयमें कोई मुहसे कुछ बात नहीं निकालता है। यदि बल और धर्म दोनों सत्यके ऊपर प्रतिष्ठित हों तो वे मनुष्यकी महान् भयसे रक्षा करते हैं
bahv apathyaṁ balavati na kiṁcit kriyate bhayāt | ubhau satyādhikārasthau trāyete mahato bhayāt ||
Bhishma said: Even when a powerful man is full of many harmful faults, out of fear no one dares to act against him or even speak openly about it. But when both strength and righteousness stand grounded in satya (truth), they protect a person from great fear—because power restrained by truth becomes a safeguard rather than a threat.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Unchecked power breeds fear and silences criticism even when wrongdoing is obvious; but power joined with dharma and firmly rooted in satya becomes protective and stabilizing, removing great fear.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on righteous rule and conduct, Bhishma warns about the social paralysis caused by fear of the strong, and then states the remedy: strength must be anchored in truth and righteousness to safeguard society and the individual.