Shloka 16
दीर्घदर्शी–दीर्घसूत्र–संप्रतिपत्तिमान् आख्यानम्
The Parable of Foresight, Procrastination, and Presence of Mind
अपापो होवमाचार: क्षिप्रं बहुमतो भवेत् । सुखं च चित्र भुड्जीत कृतेनैकेन गोपयेत्
apāpo hovamācāraḥ kṣipraṃ bahumato bhavet | sukhaṃ ca citra bhuñjīta kṛtenaikena gopayet ||
Bhishma dit : Celui dont la conduite est exempte de péché devient vite l’objet du respect du plus grand nombre. Il jouit de bonheurs variés et, par la puissance d’un seul acte vertueux accompli comme il se doit, il se met lui-même à l’abri. Ainsi est-il honoré partout dans le monde et reçoit de grands fruits ici-bas comme dans l’au-delà.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sinless, disciplined conduct (ācāra) quickly brings broad social esteem and diverse happiness; moreover, even a single strong act of virtue can function as protective merit, yielding benefits in both this life and the next.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira on dharma and right living, emphasizing how moral conduct and even one decisive good deed generate protection, honor, and lasting results.