Shloka 186
Adhyāya 90 — Protection of Livelihoods, Brahmanical Subsistence Norms, and Royal Oversight (राष्ट्रवृत्ति-राष्ट्रगुप्ति-उपदेशः)
सर्वान् सुपरिणीतांस्तान् कारयेथा युधिष्ठिर । युधिष्ठिर! जो धर्मज्ञ
sarvān supariṇītāṁs tān kārayethā yudhiṣṭhira |
Bhīṣma said: “O Yudhiṣṭhira, you should ensure that all those well-trained and well-conducted men are duly employed and supported. Whether they praise you or criticize you—those who are learned in dharma, steadfast in courage, and never turn their backs in battle; those who earn their livelihood while residing in the kingdom or live under the king’s protection; and also the ministers and neutral parties—you should honor them all. The king’s duty is to uphold and respect such people without being swayed by approval or blame.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should honor and properly employ worthy people—dharma-knowers, steadfast warriors, dependents, ministers, and neutral parties—without being influenced by whether they praise or criticize him. Respect for merit and social support is a central duty of kingship (rājadharma).
In the Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on statecraft and righteous rule after the war. Here he emphasizes impartial conduct: the king must maintain dignity and fairness by honoring key social and political groups regardless of their opinions about him.