Shloka 56
Nīti-upadeśa to a Rājaputra: Self-restraint, Alliances, and Rival-Management (नीतिउपदेशः)
अप्यमित्राणि सेवस्व प्रणिपत्य कृताञज्जलि: । मुनिने कहा--राजन्! तुम दम्भ, काम, क्रोध, हर्ष और भयको त्यागकर हाथ जोड़ मस्तक झुकाकर शत्रुओंकी भी सेवा करो
apy amitrāṇi sevasva praṇipatya kṛtāñjaliḥ |
Bhishma dijo: «Oh rey, incluso a tus enemigos se les debe servir: acércate con humildad, inclínate y, con las manos juntas en reverencia, muéstrales respeto». El consejo subraya la disciplina del dominio propio y la humildad estratégica: al abandonar el orgullo y las pasiones impetuosas, se preserva el dharma y se asegura la paz aun frente a los adversarios.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches disciplined humility: for the sake of dharma and stable rule, a king should restrain ego and passions and be willing, when appropriate, to show respectful conduct—even toward enemies—to prevent greater harm and secure peace.
In Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on rājadharma (the duties of kings). Here he advises a posture of respectful submission—bowing with joined hands—toward adversaries when it serves righteous governance and the larger good.