Shloka 23
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
नालसाः: प्राप्तुवन्त्यर्थानू न क्लीबा नाभिमानिन: । न च लोकरवाद् भीता न वै शश्चत् प्रतीक्षिण:
nālasāḥ prāpnuvanty arthān na klībā nābhimāninaḥ | na ca lokaravād bhītā na vai śaśvat pratīkṣiṇaḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : Les paresseux n’atteignent pas les buts qu’ils désirent ; pas davantage les lâches, ni les orgueilleux. Ni ceux que terrifie le bruit du monde, ni ceux qui attendent sans fin le « bon moment ». En matière de dharma comme de réussite terrestre, l’accomplissement revient aux constants et aux courageux, qui agissent sans vanité et sans crainte des commérages.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that success in rightful aims requires active effort and inner strength: laziness, cowardice, ego, fear of public criticism, and endless postponement are obstacles that prevent attainment.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma is advising Yudhiṣṭhira on conduct and practical ethics after the war, emphasizing qualities needed to accomplish dharmic and worldly objectives.