Shloka 12
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
न हिंस्यात् परवित्तानि देयं काले च दापयेत् । विक्रान्त: सत्यवाक् क्षान्तो नृपो न चलते पथ:,दूसरोंके धनका नाश न करे। जिसको जो कुछ देना हो, उसे वह समयपर दिलानेकी व्यवस्था करे। पराक्रमी, सत्यवादी और क्षमाशील बना रहे--ऐसा करनेवाला राजा कभी पथभ्रष्ट नहीं होता
na hiṁsyāt paravittāni deyaṁ kāle ca dāpayet | vikrāntaḥ satyavāk kṣānto nṛpo na calate pathaḥ ||
Bhīṣma teaches that a king should not harm or destroy the wealth of others, and should ensure that whatever is due to anyone is paid at the proper time. A ruler who is courageous, truthful in speech, and patient-forbearing does not stray from the right path of kingship and dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is to protect others’ property, ensure timely fulfillment of dues, and cultivate courage, truthfulness, and patience; these virtues keep rulership aligned with the righteous path.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma is advising the king on practical ethical governance—non-injury to subjects’ wealth, proper administration of payments, and the personal virtues required for stable, righteous rule.