Shloka 31
Cāturāśramya-dharma—Marks of the Four Āśramas (चातुराश्रम्यधर्मः)
प्रवृत्तस्य हि धर्मस्य बुद्धा यः स्मरते गतिम् । स मे मान्यश्न पूज्यश्व तत्र क्षत्रं प्रतेछ्ठितम्ू
pravṛttasya hi dharmasya buddhā yaḥ smarate gatim | sa me mānyaś ca pūjyaś ca tatra kṣatraṁ pratiṣṭhitam ||
Indra said: “He who, with awakened understanding, reflects upon the course and true end of dharma when it is set in motion—he alone is worthy of my honor and worship; for in such discernment the very foundation of kṣatriya-duty is established.”
इन्द्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not merely action or custom; it must be guided by reflective intelligence that considers its proper course and outcome. Such discernment is presented as the true basis of kṣatriya-duty and worthy of divine respect.
Indra is speaking in the Śānti Parva’s didactic setting, praising the person who thoughtfully evaluates the direction and end of an active dharma. The statement frames righteous kingship/warrior duty as grounded in wise moral judgment rather than impulse.