Shloka 34
अध्याय ८२ — केशवप्रयाणे निमित्तदर्शनम्
Omens and Reception During Keśava’s Departure
यो वै न कामान्न भयान्न लोभान्नार्थकारणात् | अन्यायमनुवर्तेत स्थिरबुद्धिरलोलुप:
yo vai na kāmān na bhayān na lobhān nārtha-kāraṇāt | anyāyam anuvarteta sthira-buddhir alolupaḥ ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Aquel que, ya sea por deseo, por temor, por codicia o por cualquier ventaja oculta, jamás sigue la senda de la injusticia—firme en su entendimiento y libre de avidez—encarna el ideal ético de un dharma inquebrantable, rehusando transigir con lo recto ante la presión o la tentación.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines moral integrity: a truly steady-minded person does not cooperate with injustice, even when pressured by desire, fear, greed, or practical advantage. Dharma is upheld as non-negotiable, not contingent on circumstances.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war deliberations, Vaiśaṃpāyana articulates a standard of righteous character—someone whose judgment remains firm and who refuses to align with adharma despite temptations or threats—setting an ethical benchmark relevant to the impending conflict.