Shloka 18
Akṣara–Kṣara Viveka: Vasiṣṭha–Karāla-Janaka Saṃvāda (अक्षर-क्षर विवेकः)
संचिन्त्य मनसा राजन् विदित्वा शक््यमात्मन: । करोति य: शुभं कर्म स वै भद्राणि पश्यति
sañcintya manasā rājan viditvā śakyam ātmanaḥ | karoti yaḥ śubhaṃ karma sa vai bhadrāṇi paśyati ||
O king, the one who first reflects carefully in the mind, determines what is truly within one’s own capacity, and then undertakes a wholesome deed—such a person surely comes to see good results and well-being.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should deliberate carefully, assess one’s true capacity, and then perform wholesome action; such prudent, ethical action leads to welfare and good outcomes.
In a didactic exchange within the Śānti Parva, the sage Parāśara addresses a king and offers counsel on disciplined decision-making: reflection and realistic self-knowledge should precede the undertaking of virtuous deeds.