Shloka 27
Treasury Security, Protection of Informants, and the Kalakavṛkṣīya Exemplum (Śānti Parva 83)
नैकान्तेन प्रमादो हि शक््य: कर्तु महीपतौ | नतु प्रमाद: कर्तव्य: कथंचिद् भूतिमिच्छता
naikāntena pramādo hi śakyaḥ kartuṃ mahīpatau | na tu pramādaḥ kartavyaḥ kathaṃcid bhūtim icchatā ||
Bhīṣma said: It is not possible to ensure that those who live near a king will never commit any lapse at all. Yet a person who seeks his own welfare should, by no means, knowingly act with negligence in the king’s presence.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Human error cannot be eliminated entirely, especially in the complex environment around power; nevertheless, one who seeks well-being must avoid deliberate carelessness and remain vigilant in dealings with the king.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Bhīṣma continues advising on proper conduct in relation to rulers, warning that while accidental lapses may occur, intentional negligence near the king is harmful and should be avoided.