Shloka 20
Bhṛtya-niyoga: Role-appropriate appointment of servants and protection of the royal treasury (भृत्यनियोगः कोशरक्षणं च)
नाहंवादी न निर्द॑न्द्धो न यर्किंचनकारक: । कृते कर्मण्यमात्यानां कर्ता भृत्यजनप्रिय:
nāhaṃvādī na nirdvandvo na yatkiñcanakārakaḥ | kṛte karmaṇy amātyānāṃ kartā bhṛtyajanapriyaḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Qu’on ne soit ni querelleur, ni ballotté par les paires d’opposés. Qu’on ne devienne pas l’exécutant de toute impulsion qui surgit. Qu’on approuve plutôt et qu’on soutienne les actes accomplis comme il convient par ses ministres, et qu’on garde une bienveillance affectueuse envers ses serviteurs et ses dépendants.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches disciplined kingship and ethical conduct: abandon egoistic self-assertion, remain steady amid opposites, avoid impulsive action, rely on and endorse properly executed ministerial work, and treat servants and dependents with affectionate care.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on the qualities of a good ruler/leader—emphasizing inner restraint, balanced judgment, sound delegation, and humane treatment of those who serve.