Shloka 15
Dambhodbhava, Nara-Nārāyaṇa, and the Counsel to Abandon Hubris
Udyoga-parva 94
तव चैव हित॑ं राजन् पाण्डवानामथो हितम् । शमे प्रयतमानस्य तव शासनकाड्क्षिण:
tava caiva hitaṁ rājan pāṇḍavānām atho hitam | śame prayatamānasya tava śāsanakāṅkṣiṇaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O King, this course is truly for your own good—and for the good of the Pāṇḍavas as well. If you are striving for peace and are willing to exercise rightful restraint over your sons, then reconciliation becomes the path that safeguards both sides.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s true self-interest aligns with justice and peace: by restraining and disciplining his own sons and sincerely pursuing reconciliation, he protects both his dynasty and the Pāṇḍavas, preventing a destructive war.
In the peace-embassy context of the Udyoga Parva, counsel is being given to the Kuru king: if he genuinely seeks peace and is prepared to govern his sons firmly, then a settlement with the Pāṇḍavas is beneficial for all.