Shloka 19
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
अभृतानां भवेद् भर्ता भूतानामन्ववेक्षक: । नृपति: सुमुखश्न स्यात् स्मितपूर्वाभिभाषिता
abhṛtānāṁ bhaved bhartā bhūtānām anvavekṣakaḥ | nṛpatiḥ sumukhaś ca syāt smitapūrvābhibhāṣitā ||
Bhishma dit : Le roi doit devenir le soutien de ceux qui n’ont personne pour les entretenir, et veiller avec soin au bien-être de tous les êtres vivant sous sa protection. Qu’un souverain garde un visage agréable et prenne la parole le premier avec un doux sourire—afin que le pouvoir soit ressenti comme une sollicitude plutôt que comme une crainte.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is twofold: materially support those without protectors and actively supervise the welfare of all subjects; additionally, he should govern with a pleasant demeanor and gentle speech, making authority humane and approachable.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, Bhishma advises the king on practical ethics of rule—public welfare, oversight of dependents, and the importance of courteous, reassuring conduct in daily governance.