अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
क्षिप्रकारी जितक्रोध: सुप्रसादो महामना: । अरोषप्रकृतिर्युक्त: क्रियावानविकत्थन:
kṣiprakārī jitakrodhaḥ suprasādo mahāmanāḥ | aroṣaprakṛtir yuktaḥ kriyāvān avikatthanaḥ ||
Dijo Bhīṣma: «Debe ser alguien que actúe con prontitud, que haya vencido la ira, que sea afable y fácil de complacer, y de gran alma. Su naturaleza ha de estar libre de resentimiento; debe ser disciplinado y eficaz en la acción, y carecer de jactancia».
भीष्म उवाच
The verse lists ethical qualities of an ideal person—especially one fit for responsibility: promptness in duty, mastery over anger, graciousness, magnanimity, a non-resentful temperament, disciplined engagement, effective action, and humility without boasting.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs on dharma and right conduct after the war. Here he enumerates character traits to be cultivated, presenting a concise portrait of exemplary temperament and behavior.