Shloka 31
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
क्षिप्रकारी जितक्रोध: सुप्रसादो महामना: । अरोषप्रकृतिर्युक्त: क्रियावानविकत्थन:
kṣiprakārī jitakrodhaḥ suprasādo mahāmanāḥ | aroṣaprakṛtir yuktaḥ kriyāvān avikatthanaḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Il doit agir promptement, avoir vaincu la colère, être bienveillant et facile à contenter, et avoir une grande âme. Sa nature doit être exempte de ressentiment ; il doit être discipliné, capable dans l’action, et sans vanité ni fanfaronnade.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse lists ethical qualities of an ideal person—especially one fit for responsibility: promptness in duty, mastery over anger, graciousness, magnanimity, a non-resentful temperament, disciplined engagement, effective action, and humility without boasting.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs on dharma and right conduct after the war. Here he enumerates character traits to be cultivated, presenting a concise portrait of exemplary temperament and behavior.