Shloka 5
अध्याय ७२ — राजधर्मः: प्रजारक्षण, कर-नीति, दण्ड-नीति, अमात्य-नियोजन
Chapter 72 — Royal Duty: protection of subjects, taxation, punishment, and appointments
धर्मकार्याणि निर्वर्त्य मड्लानि प्रयुज्य च । ब्राह्मणान् वाचयेथास्त्वमर्थसिद्धिजयाशिष:
dharma-kāryāṇi nirvartya maṇḍlāni prayujya ca | brāhmaṇān vācayethās tvaṁ artha-siddhi-jayāśiṣaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “After completing your obligatory religious duties, and after making use of the auspicious ceremonial arrangements, you should have the Brahmins recite benedictory formulas. Receive their blessings for the successful attainment of your aims and for victory.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that worldly aims—especially victory and success—should be pursued only after fulfilling dharmic obligations and seeking auspicious benedictions from qualified Brahmins; ethical order and sacred sanction are presented as foundations for effective action.
In Bhishma’s instruction within the Shanti Parva, he advises the listener (a ruler/agent) to first complete daily religious observances, then perform or employ auspicious ritual arrangements, and finally have Brahmins recite blessings (svasti) to secure success and victory.