Shloka 14
Bala and Dharma in Kṣatriya Governance (बल-धर्म सम्बन्धः)
अपचिक्रमिषु: क्षिप्रं साम्ना वा परिसान्त्वयन् । विलड्घयित्वा मन्त्रेण तत: स्वयमुपक्रमेत्
apacikramiṣuḥ kṣipraṃ sāmnā vā parisāntvayan | vilaṅghayitvā mantreṇa tataḥ svayam upakramet ||
Dijo Bhīṣma: Cuando uno se ve obligado a retirarse, debe hacerlo con rapidez—ya sea mediante la conciliación y la persuasión suave, o bien superando al bando contrario con consejo y estratagema. Tras asegurar una huida a salvo de la fortaleza o de la posición peligrosa, debe aguardarse el momento oportuno; y entonces, con la aprobación de los sabios y de los hombres eminentes, comenzar los esfuerzos por recobrar lo perdido—bienes o incluso un reino.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Retreat can be a dharmically valid strategy when it prevents needless destruction and preserves the capacity to restore justice later; one should withdraw swiftly, use conciliation or prudent counsel, and then attempt recovery at the right time with wise support.
In Bhishma’s instruction on governance and conduct under pressure, he outlines how a threatened party should escape danger—by pacifying opponents or by strategic counsel—and later, after time and consultation with respected advisers, begin efforts to regain lost property or rule.