Shloka 74
Śuka’s Guṇa-Transcendence and Vyāsa’s Consolation (शुकगति-वर्णनम्)
अत एतैरबलैरेव बलिन: स्वार्थमिच्छता । आर्जवेनाभिगन्तव्या विनाशाय हानार्जवम्
ata etair abalair eva balinaḥ svārtham icchatā | ārjavena abhigantavyā vināśāya hānārjavam ||
Therefore, it is by these very ‘weak’ means that the truly strong become strong. One who seeks the fulfillment of one’s rightful aim should approach them with straightforwardness; for crookedness toward them—lack of honesty and candor—becomes a cause of ruin.
जनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Janaka teaches that apparent ‘soft’ virtues—especially ārjava (straightforward honesty)—are the real source of strength and success; deceit and crooked dealing (anārjava) ultimately bring destruction.
In the didactic discourse of Śānti Parva, King Janaka offers counsel on conduct: a seeker of one’s goal should approach others (and one’s duties) with candor and integrity, warning that duplicity toward such principles or persons leads to ruin.