Shloka 92
Śuka’s Guṇa-Transcendence and Vyāsa’s Consolation (शुकगति-वर्णनम्)
वक्तव्ये तु यदा वक्ता श्रोतारमवमन्य वै । स्वार्थमाह परार्थ तत् तदा वाक््यं न रोहति
vaktavye tu yadā vaktā śrotāram avamanyate vai | svārtham āha parārthaṃ tat tadā vākyaṃ na rohati ||
Bhīṣma dit : Lorsque l’orateur, même en parlant d’une chose qu’il convient de dire, méprise l’auditeur et profère des paroles pour son propre avantage sous le masque du bien d’autrui, alors cette parole ne prend pas racine : elle ne porte pas de fruit de dharma et ne gagne pas une adhésion véritable.
भीष्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Speech becomes effective only when it is grounded in respect and sincere intention. If a speaker belittles the listener and advances self-interest while pretending to speak for another’s welfare, the words fail to ‘take root’—they do not persuade, reform, or yield dharmic results.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and conduct, Bhīṣma continues advising on ethical communication and counsel. He explains why certain advice, even if outwardly appropriate, becomes fruitless when delivered with contempt and ulterior motive.