Shloka 28
Treasury Security, Protection of Informants, and the Kalakavṛkṣīya Exemplum (Śānti Parva 83)
प्रमादाद्धि स्खलेद् राजा स्खलिते नास्ति जीवितम् । अन्मनिं दीप्तमिवासीदेद् राजानमुपशिक्षित:
pramādād dhi skhaled rājā skhalite nāsti jīvitam | agnim dīptam ivāsīded rājānam upaśikṣitaḥ ||
Bhishma said: “Through negligence a king may slip into error; and once he has slipped, there is no safety of life (for those dependent on him). Therefore a trained and prudent man should approach and remain near a king as one would near a blazing fire—carefully and with constant alertness.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Negligence around power is perilous: a ruler’s lapse can quickly turn into lethal danger for dependents. Therefore, one who serves or approaches a king must remain disciplined, cautious, and self-controlled—like someone standing near a blazing fire.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on governance and conduct, Bhishma warns about the volatility of royal favor and the risks created by a king’s moment of error. He counsels the educated attendant to keep careful vigilance in the king’s presence.