Shloka 42
Daṇḍa-svarūpa-nirūpaṇa
The Nature, Forms, and Function of Daṇḍa
बुद्धिर्दीप्ता बलवन्तं हिनस्ति बल॑ बुद्धया पाल्यते वर्धमानम् । शरत्रुर्बुद्धया सीदते वर्धमानो बुद्धे: पश्चात् कर्म यत्तत् प्रशस्तम्
bhīṣma uvāca | buddhir dīptā balavantaṃ hinasti balaṃ buddhyā pālyate vardhamānam | śatrur buddhyā sīdati vardhamāno buddheḥ paścāt karma yat tat praśastam ||
Bhishma dit : Une intelligence vive et lumineuse peut terrasser même l’homme le plus puissant. Une force qui décline peut être protégée et rétablie par la sagesse. Même un ennemi qui grandit en puissance est rabaissé par une stratégie avisée et se met à souffrir. Ainsi, l’acte accompli après mûre réflexion—sous la conduite de l’intellect—est le plus digne d’éloge.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that buddhi (discernment and strategic intelligence) is superior to mere physical power: it can defeat the strong, preserve weakening strength, and subdue even a rising enemy. Actions become truly praiseworthy when they are performed after careful reflection.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira on righteous governance and conduct after the war. Here he emphasizes the practical-ethical value of deliberation and intelligence in protecting oneself and the kingdom and in dealing with enemies.