Shloka 20
Anuśāsana-parva Adhyāya 112: Dharma as the sole companion; karmic witnesses; rebirth sequences
Bṛhaspati–Yudhiṣṭhira Saṃvāda
यथा बल क्रियाहीनं क्रिया वा बलवर्जिता । नेह साधयते कार्य समायुक्ता तु सिध्यति
yathā bala-kriyā-hīnaṁ kriyā vā bala-varjitā | neha sādhayate kāryaṁ samāyuktā tu sidhyati ||
Bhīṣma dit : De même que la force sans action efficace, ou l’action privée de force, ne peut accomplir aucune tâche en ce monde, de même une œuvre ne réussit que lorsque l’une et l’autre sont justement unies.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Success in any undertaking—especially one aligned with dharma—requires the union of capability (bala) and effective effort (kriyā). Either one alone is insufficient; coordinated strength and action bring results.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma continues instructing on dharma and right conduct. Here he offers a concise maxim: practical outcomes depend on harmonizing power/resources with purposeful action.