Shloka 31
Kośārtha-Rājadharma: Ethical Revenue Collection and Social Regulation (कोशार्थ-राजधर्मः)
प्राज्ञ: शूरो धनस्थश्व स्वामी धार्मिक एव च | तपस्वी सत्यवादी च बुद्धिमांश्वापि रक्षति
prājñaḥ śūro dhanasthaś ca svāmī dhārmika eva ca | tapasvī satyavādī ca buddhimānś cāpi rakṣati ||
Bhīṣma says: A wise man, a brave man, one who is financially secure, a rightful master, and one who is truly righteous—likewise an ascetic, a speaker of truth, and a man of intelligence—each of these is capable of protecting (others).
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Protection of society (rakṣaṇa) is grounded in multiple virtues—wisdom, courage, resources, rightful authority, righteousness, austerity, truthfulness, and intelligence—rather than in mere power alone.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Bhīṣma is advising Yudhiṣṭhira by listing the kinds of persons whose qualities make them fit to safeguard others and uphold order.