Shloka 34
अध्याय ८२ — केशवप्रयाणे निमित्तदर्शनम्
Omens and Reception During Keśava’s Departure
यो वै न कामान्न भयान्न लोभान्नार्थकारणात् | अन्यायमनुवर्तेत स्थिरबुद्धिरलोलुप:,जो कभी कामनासे, भयसे, लोभसे अथवा अन्य किसी प्रयोजनके कारण भी अन्यायका अनुसरण नहीं कर सकते, जिनकी बुद्धि स्थिर है, जो लोभ-रहित, धर्मज्ञ, धैर्यवान, विद्वान् तथा सम्पूर्ण भूतोंके भीतर विराजमान हैं, वे भगवान् केशव देवताओंके भी देवता, सनातन परमेश्वर तथा समस्त प्राणियोंके ईश्वर हैं
yo vai na kāmān na bhayān na lobhān nārtha-kāraṇāt | anyāyam anuvarteta sthira-buddhir alolupaḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: One who, whether from desire, fear, greed, or for any ulterior advantage, never follows the path of injustice—steady in understanding and free from covetousness—embodies the ideal of unwavering dharma, refusing to compromise righteousness under pressure or temptation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines moral integrity: a truly steady-minded person does not cooperate with injustice, even when pressured by desire, fear, greed, or practical advantage. Dharma is upheld as non-negotiable, not contingent on circumstances.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war deliberations, Vaiśaṃpāyana articulates a standard of righteous character—someone whose judgment remains firm and who refuses to align with adharma despite temptations or threats—setting an ethical benchmark relevant to the impending conflict.