Shloka 14
Bhṛtya-niyoga: Role-appropriate appointment of servants and protection of the royal treasury (भृत्यनियोगः कोशरक्षणं च)
अस्तब्धं प्रश्मितं श्लक्ष्णं मृुदुवादिनमेव च । धीरं शूरं महर्द्धि च देशकालोपपादकम्
astabdhaṁ praśmitaṁ ślakṣṇaṁ mṛduvādinaṁ eva ca | dhīraṁ śūraṁ maharddhi ca deśakālopapādakam ||
Bhishma dit : «Le roi doit choisir pour ministre un homme sans arrogance, au sourire paisible, au comportement raffiné et poli, à la parole douce ; ferme d’esprit et courageux ; riche de moyens et de capacité ; et sachant agir comme il convient, en tenant compte du lieu et du temps.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that a minister must combine inner discipline (humility, composure, gentle speech) with outer competence (courage, resources, and the practical wisdom to act according to time and place).
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma continues advising the ruler on how to choose capable counselors, listing key personal and administrative virtues required for effective governance.