Shloka 28
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
देशकालौ समासाद्य विक्रमेत विचक्षण: । देशकालव्यतीतो हि विक्रमो निष्फलो भवेत्
deśakālau samāsādya vikrameta vicakṣaṇaḥ | deśakālavyatīto hi vikramo niṣphalo bhavet ||
Bhīṣma dit : «L’homme avisé ne doit déployer sa vaillance qu’après s’être assuré d’un lieu et d’un temps favorables. Car le courage montré sans égard au lieu et au moment—hors saison, hors contexte—devient sans fruit.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Effective and ethical action requires discernment about context: one should act bravely only when place and time are suitable; otherwise even great effort becomes ineffective.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction to Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīṣma continues giving practical dharma and rājadharma counsel, emphasizing strategic prudence—choosing the right moment and setting before exerting force or initiative.