Shloka 4
Mantri-Parīkṣā — Testing Ministers, Securing Counsel, and Ethical Criteria for Advisers (अध्याय ८४)
कुलीन: पूजितो नित्यं न हि शक्ति निगूहति
bhīṣma uvāca | kulīnaḥ pūjito nityaṃ na hi śaktiṃ nigūhati | rājā prasanno vāprasanno vā pīḍito vā hatahato vā | sarvāsv avasthāsu yaḥ punaḥ punaḥ tam anusarati sa eva suhṛd bhavitum arhati ||
Bhishma said: “A truly well-born and worthy man is one who is constantly honored, who does not conceal his capability, and who follows his king again and again in every condition—whether the king is pleased or displeased, afflicted or struck down. Such a person alone deserves to be called a true friend.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma defines a true friend as one who remains steadfast to the king in all circumstances—pleasure or displeasure, prosperity or suffering—without hiding one’s capacity to help. Loyalty and transparent capability are presented as marks of genuine friendship and dharmic conduct.
In Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Bhishma is advising on the qualities of dependable allies and companions. He emphasizes that the worth of a friend is tested not in comfort but in adversity, when the ruler is afflicted or brought low.