Shloka 27
राजधर्मः—प्रजापालनं दानयज्ञश्च
Royal Duty—Protection of Subjects, Generosity, and Sacrificial Discipline
समन्ततो विनियतो वहत्यस्खलितो हि यः । निर्दोष: कर्मवचनात् सिद्धि: कर्मण एव सा
samantato viniyato vahaty askhalito hi yaḥ | nirdoṣaḥ karmavacanāt siddhiḥ karmaṇa eva sā ||
Bhishma said: The person who, on every side, keeps his mind and senses under restraint, and who steadily bears the duties laid upon him without ever stumbling, incurs no fault. For the scriptures enjoin action; therefore, for a king, true accomplishment is attained through the performance of his ordained work—not by seeking it through forest-dwelling and austerities alone.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Self-mastery and steadfast performance of one’s assigned duty leads to blamelessness and success; for rulers especially, scripture validates accomplishment through responsible action rather than abandoning obligations for ascetic retreat.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhishma advises the listener that a king should not seek spiritual or moral ‘success’ by withdrawing to the forest; instead, he must govern and fulfill royal responsibilities with disciplined senses and unwavering resolve.