Shloka 27
धर्म समाचरेत् पूर्व ततो<र्थ धर्मसंयुतम् ततः काम चरेत् पश्चात् सिद्धार्थ: स हि तत्परम्,अतः सबसे पहले धर्मका आचरण करे; फिर धर्मयुक्त धनका संग्रह करे। इसके बाद दोनोंकी अनुकूलता रखते हुए कामका सेवन करे। इस प्रकार त्रिवर्गका संग्रह करनेसे मनुष्य सफलमनोरथ हो जाता है
dharmaṃ samācaret pūrvaṃ tato 'rthaṃ dharma-saṃyutam | tataḥ kāmaṃ caret paścāt siddhārthaḥ sa hi tatparam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: One should first practice dharma; then acquire wealth in a manner aligned with dharma. After that, maintaining harmony with both, one may pursue kāma (legitimate enjoyment). By thus gathering the three aims of life in proper order, a person becomes successful in purpose and fulfilled in aspiration.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches the proper sequencing and integration of the three human aims (trivarga): begin with dharma (ethical foundation), then pursue artha (wealth/power) only when governed by dharma, and finally enjoy kāma (pleasure) in a way compatible with both. This ordered life leads to true success and fulfillment.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, Vaiśampāyana continues conveying instruction on right conduct and governance of life’s aims, emphasizing that prosperity and enjoyment are legitimate only when rooted in dharma and pursued in a disciplined order.