Shloka 16
Bṛhaspati’s Counsel on Contentment
Santoṣa), Restraint, and Adroha (Non-injury
विधिना श्रावणेनैव कुर्यात् कर्माण्यतन्द्रित: । य एवं वर्तते राजन् स राजा धर्मनिश्चितः
vidhinā śrāvaṇenaiva kuryāt karmāṇy atandritaḥ | ya evaṁ vartate rājan sa rājā dharmaniścitaḥ ||
By duly listening to the prescribed teachings, one should perform one’s duties without negligence. O King, the ruler who conducts himself in this manner is firmly established in dharma—his course is settled by righteousness.
देवस्थान उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler (and by extension any person) should first listen attentively to proper instruction and then carry out prescribed duties diligently; such disciplined conduct makes one firmly established in dharma.
Devastāna addresses a king, giving a concise rule of conduct: learn through authorized hearing and then act without negligence, defining the mark of a dharma-grounded king.