Shloka 11
अध्याय २२० — बलिवासवसंवादः
Bali–Vāsava Dialogue on Kāla and Steadfastness
जनवादमृषावादस्तुतिनिन्दाविवर्जनम् | साधुकामश्न स्पृहयेन्नायतिं प्रत्ययेषु च
bhīṣma uvāca | janavādamṛṣāvādastutinindāvivarjanam | sādhukāmaś ca na spṛhayed nāyatiṃ pratyayeṣu ca ||
Dijo Bhishma: Debe uno abstenerse del chisme público, de la palabra falsa y tanto de la alabanza como de la censura. Debe anhelar la compañía de los buenos, pero permanecer libre de deseo: sin codiciar lo venidero ni volverse ansiosamente dependiente de expectativas y garantías. Éstas son señales de autodominio, que aquietan la mente y sostienen una vida conforme al dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches disciplined speech and inner non-attachment: avoid gossip, lying, and the habit of praising or blaming; seek the company of the virtuous while remaining free from craving and anxious dependence on future outcomes or assurances.
In Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on dharma and conduct. Here he lists specific traits of self-restraint (dama) that purify social interaction and stabilize the mind for righteous living.