Shloka 27
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
धर्म समाचरेत् पूर्व ततो<र्थ धर्मसंयुतम् ततः काम चरेत् पश्चात् सिद्धार्थ: स हि तत्परम्
dharmaṃ samācaret pūrvaṃ tato 'rthaṃ dharma-saṃyutam | tataḥ kāmaṃ caret paścāt siddhārthaḥ sa hi tatparam ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: «Primero debe uno practicar el dharma; luego adquirir riqueza de un modo acorde con el dharma. Después, manteniendo la armonía con ambos, puede perseguir kāma (el goce legítimo). Reuniendo así los tres fines de la vida en el orden debido, la persona alcanza el éxito en su propósito y la plenitud de sus aspiraciones».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches the proper sequencing and integration of the three human aims (trivarga): begin with dharma (ethical foundation), then pursue artha (wealth/power) only when governed by dharma, and finally enjoy kāma (pleasure) in a way compatible with both. This ordered life leads to true success and fulfillment.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, Vaiśampāyana continues conveying instruction on right conduct and governance of life’s aims, emphasizing that prosperity and enjoyment are legitimate only when rooted in dharma and pursued in a disciplined order.