Shloka 21
Treasury Security, Protection of Informants, and the Kalakavṛkṣīya Exemplum (Śānti Parva 83)
त॑ राजा प्रत्युवाचेदं यत् किंचिन्मां भवान् वदेत् । कस्मादहं न क्षमेयमाकाड्क्षन्नात्मनो हितम्
rājā pratyuvācedaṃ yat kiṃcin māṃ bhavān vadet | kasmād ahaṃ na kṣameyam ākāṅkṣann ātmano hitam ||
Bhishma said: The king replied, “Whatever you wish to say to me, speak it without fear. Since I seek my own welfare and security, why should I not forgive you? O best of Brahmins, say what you will. I pledge that whatever you command or advise, I shall comply with it.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should welcome truthful counsel without fear or retaliation; forgiveness and receptivity to guidance are presented as practical dharma that protects one’s own welfare and the stability of rule.
In Bhishma’s narration, the king responds to a Brahmin/ascetic by inviting him to speak freely and promising forgiveness and obedience to what is advised, signaling the king’s commitment to ethical governance and self-correction.