Shloka 18
Adhyāya 287 — Janaka’s Inquiry on Śreyas, Abhayadāna, and Asaṅga
Non-attachment
पापकर्मसे दूर रहना, निरन्तर पुण्यकर्मोमें लगे रहना और सत्पुरुषोंक साथ रहकर सदाचारका ठीक-ठीक पालन करना--यह संशयरहित कल्याणका मार्ग है ।। मार्दवं सर्वभूतेषु व्यवहारेषु चार्जवम् | वाक् चैव मधुरा प्रोक्ता श्रेय एतदसंशयम्,सम्पूर्ण प्राणियोंके प्रति कोमलताका बर्ताव करना, व्यवहारमें सरल होना तथा मीठे वचन बोलना--यह भी कल्याणका संदेहरहित मार्ग है
pāpakarmase dūra rahanā, nirantara puṇyakarmomeṃ lage rahanā aura satpuruṣoṃ ke sātha rahakara sadācāra kā ṭhīk-ṭhīk pālana karanā—yaha saṃśayarhita kalyāṇa kā mārga hai. mārdavaṃ sarvabhūteṣu vyavahāreṣu cārjavam | vāk caiva madhurā proktā śreya etad asaṃśayam ||
Nārada said: Keeping far from sinful actions, remaining constantly engaged in meritorious deeds, and living in the company of the good while carefully practicing right conduct—this is a path to welfare, free from doubt. Gentleness toward all beings, straightforwardness in one’s dealings, and speech that is sweet—this too is a doubtless path to the highest good.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents a clear ethical program: avoid sinful deeds, persist in meritorious actions, keep the company of the virtuous, and practice good conduct. It further specifies three everyday virtues—gentleness toward all beings, straightforward dealings, and sweet speech—as a certain path to true welfare (kalyāṇa/śreyas).
In Śānti Parva’s instruction-focused setting, the sage Nārada speaks as a moral teacher, summarizing practical dharma. Rather than describing an event, the passage functions as counsel—laying down behavioral markers by which a listener can reliably pursue well-being and the higher good.