Shloka 8
Vāmadeva’s Rājadharma: Norm-Setting, Counsel, and the Prevention of Rāṣṭra-Vināśa (वामदेव-प्रोक्तं राजधर्मम्)
राजा यदि समर्थ हो तो उत्तम सुखका अनुभव करे और करावे तथा आपत्तिमें पड़ जाय तो उसके निवारणका प्रयत्न करे। ऐसा करनेसे वह सब प्राणियोंका प्रिय होता है और कभी राजलक्ष्मीसे भ्रष्ट नहीं होता ।।
apriyaṁ yasya kurvīta bhūyas tasya priyaṁ caret | na cireṇa priyaḥ sa syād yo 'priyaḥ priyam ācaret ||
Vāmadeva teaches a practical rule of kingship: if a ruler has acted in a way that displeases someone, he should afterwards do what is pleasing to that person. One who responds to displeasure with a deliberate act of goodwill soon becomes dear even to those who were offended. In the ethical frame of Śānti Parva, this is presented as a means to preserve harmony, win hearts, and stabilize royal fortune through self-correction and benevolent conduct.
वामदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
If one has caused displeasure, one should intentionally follow it with a pleasing, beneficial act; goodwill after harm quickly restores affection and trust.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, the sage Vāmadeva addresses the ideal conduct of a king, emphasizing reconciliation and the political-ethical value of making amends.