Shloka 14
Bala and Dharma in Kṣatriya Governance (बल-धर्म सम्बन्धः)
अपचिक्रमिषु: क्षिप्रं साम्ना वा परिसान्त्वयन् । विलड्घयित्वा मन्त्रेण तत: स्वयमुपक्रमेत्
apacikramiṣuḥ kṣipraṃ sāmnā vā parisāntvayan | vilaṅghayitvā mantreṇa tataḥ svayam upakramet ||
Bhīṣma dit : Lorsqu’on est contraint de se retirer, qu’on le fasse promptement—soit par conciliation et douce persuasion, soit en déjouant le camp adverse par conseil et stratagème. Après s’être assuré une fuite hors du fort ou d’une position périlleuse, qu’on attende le moment propice ; puis, avec l’assentiment des sages et des hommes éminents, qu’on entreprenne de recouvrer ce qui fut perdu—des biens, voire un royaume.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Retreat can be a dharmically valid strategy when it prevents needless destruction and preserves the capacity to restore justice later; one should withdraw swiftly, use conciliation or prudent counsel, and then attempt recovery at the right time with wise support.
In Bhishma’s instruction on governance and conduct under pressure, he outlines how a threatened party should escape danger—by pacifying opponents or by strategic counsel—and later, after time and consultation with respected advisers, begin efforts to regain lost property or rule.