Shloka 42
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
धर्माभिचारिण: पापाक्षौरा लोकस्य कण्टका: । समागच्छन्ति तान् बुद्धवा नियच्छेच्छमयीत च
dharmābhicāriṇaḥ pāpākṣaurā lokasya kaṇṭakāḥ | samāgacchanti tān buddhvā niyacchec chamayīta ca ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Ceux qui détournent le dharma en prétexte—hommes pécheurs, voleurs, et ceux qui sont des épines pour la société—y viennent sans cesse déguisés. Les ayant reconnus, il faut les contenir : soit les enfermer, soit leur inspirer la crainte du châtiment afin d’apaiser et de brider leurs penchants coupables.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler must protect society from hypocrites and criminals who cloak themselves in the appearance of dharma; after identifying them, he should restrain them through detention or deterrent punishment so their harmful conduct is checked.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction on righteous governance in the Śānti Parva, he advises the king on dealing with disruptive elements—those who enter in disguise and harm society—by investigation, restraint, and corrective deterrence.