Shloka 4
सान्त्व-निति: (Sāntva-Nīti) — The One-Word Principle of Conciliation
एतदेकपदं शक्र सर्वतलोकसुखावहम् । आचरनू् सर्वभूतेषु प्रियो भवति सर्वदा,शक्र! यही एक वस्तु सम्पूर्ण जगत्के लिये सुखदायक है। इसको आचरणमें लानेवाला मनुष्य सदा समस्त प्राणियोंका प्रिय होता है
etad ekapadaṃ śakra sarvalokasukhāvaham | ācaran sarvabhūteṣu priyo bhavati sarvadā ||
Śakra said: “This single principle is a source of happiness for all the worlds. One who puts it into practice toward all living beings becomes, at all times, dear to everyone.”
शक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
A single, concise ethical rule—when genuinely practised in one’s dealings with all beings—creates universal well-being and makes the practitioner beloved. The emphasis is on lived conduct (ācāra), not mere knowledge.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, Śakra (Indra) speaks as an authoritative voice on dharma, presenting a compact maxim and highlighting its practical effect: harmony with all beings and the resulting affection and trust of others.