Shloka 30
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
प्राज्ञस्त्यागगुणोपेत: पररन्ध्रेषु तत्पर: । सुदर्श: सर्ववर्णानां नयापनयवित् तथा
prājñas tyāga-guṇopetaḥ para-randhreṣu tat-paraḥ | sudarśaḥ sarva-varṇānāṁ nayāpanaya-vit tathā ||
Bhīṣma dit : «L’homme véritablement sage est pourvu de la vertu du renoncement. Il est attentif, avec acuité, aux faiblesses cachées (aux points vulnérables) d’autrui, et son jugement est clair à l’égard de tous les ordres de la société. De même, il comprend la bonne politique comme la mauvaise—ce qu’il faut adopter et ce qu’il faut éviter.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma defines the prājña (wise person) as one who combines inner renunciation with sharp discernment: he knows what to accept and what to reject (naya vs. apanaya) and can judge situations and people clearly, including recognizing vulnerabilities that affect practical decision-making.
Within the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance after the war, Bhīṣma continues advising the listener on the qualities of an ideal counselor/leader—highlighting renunciation, clear judgment across society, and competence in sound versus unsound policy.