Shloka 17
जनकस्य युद्धोपदेशः — Janaka’s Instruction on Steadfast Battle-Conduct
शूरबाहुषु लोको<यं लम्बते पुत्रवत् सदा | तस्मात् सर्वास्ववस्थासु शूर: सम्मानमर्हति
śūrabāhuṣu loko ’yaṃ lambate putravat sadā | tasmāt sarvāsv avasthāsu śūraḥ sammānam arhati ||
Bhīṣma dijo: «Así como el hijo se apoya siempre en su padre, de igual modo este mundo entero se sostiene en los brazos de los valientes. Por ello, en toda condición y circunstancia, el hombre heroico es digno de honor.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Society is sustained by those who possess courage and protective strength; therefore, bravery used for protection and stability merits respect in all circumstances.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Bhīṣma is advising that the brave—especially those who uphold protection and order—function as society’s support, and thus deserve honor.