Shloka 87
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
बलिनौ मतिमन्तौ च सुवृत्तौ चाप्युपासितौ | अशक्तौ तु नयात् तस्मात् सम्प्रधर्षयेतुं बलातू
balinau matimantau ca suvṛttau cāpyupāsitau | aśaktau tu nayāt tasmāt sampradharṣayetuṃ balāt ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Bien qu’ils fussent forts et intelligents, de bonne conduite et bien entourés (de leurs gens), ils devinrent incapables d’agir à cause de la politique (naya). Aussi ne purent-ils être assaillis par la seule force.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mere strength is not decisive; wise policy (naya)—such as alliances, diplomacy, and strategic restraint—can prevent a stronger party from successfully attacking, and can protect the vulnerable.
Bhīṣma is explaining a principle of nīti: even those who are strong, intelligent, and well-supported may become unable to act by force when confronted with effective strategy and political prudence.