Shloka 24
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
विद्याविदो लोकविद: परलोकान्ववेक्षकान् | धर्मे च निरतान् साधूनचलानचलानिव,जो शूरवीर एवं भक्त हों, जिन्हें विपक्षी फोड़ न सकें, जो कुलीन, नीरोग एवं शिष्ट हों तथा शिष्ट पुरुषोंसे सम्बन्ध रखते हों, जो आत्मसम्मानकी रक्षा करते हुए दूसरोंका कभी अपमान न करते हों, धर्मपरायण, विद्वान, लोकव्यवहारके ज्ञाता और शत्रुओंकी गतिविधिपर दृष्टि रखनेवाले हों, जिनमें साधुता भरी हो तथा जो पर्वतोंके समान अटल रहनेवाले हों, ऐसे लोगोंको ही राजा सदा अपना सहायक बनावे और उन्हें ऐश्वर्यका पुरस्कार दे। उन्हें अपने समान ही सुखभोगकी सुविधा प्रदान करे, केवल राजोचित छत्र धारण करना और सबको आज्ञा प्रदान करना--इन दो बातोंमें ही वह उन सहायकोंकी अपेक्षा अधिक रहे
vidyāvido lokavidaḥ paralokān vavekṣakān | dharme ca niratān sādhūn acalān acalān iva ||
Bhishma said: “A king should always choose as his helpers those who are learned in true knowledge, skilled in the ways of the world, and watchful regarding the next world (the moral consequences of actions). They should be steadfast in dharma, genuinely good, and unshakable like mountains. Such men—brave and devoted, not easily split by opponents, noble, healthy, and well-mannered, connected with refined people, protecting their self-respect without ever humiliating others—should be rewarded with prosperity. The king should grant them comforts comparable to his own; only in two matters should he stand above them: bearing the royal parasol and issuing commands.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should appoint as close aides only those who combine learning, practical worldly competence, moral foresight, and unwavering commitment to dharma; such people deserve honor and near-equal comfort, with the king retaining only the formal symbols and authority of sovereignty.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on righteous governance, Bhishma is advising the king on how to select and reward dependable supporters—men of virtue, steadiness, and social refinement—so that the kingdom is strengthened by loyal, ethically grounded counsel.