Shloka 14
Chapter 78: Royal Responsibility for Wealth, Social Order, and the Protection of Dvijas
Kekaya Exemplum
ब्राह्मणान् परिरक्षन्ति संग्रामेष्वपलायिन: । क्षत्रिया मे स्वकर्मस्था मामकान्तरमाविश:
brāhmaṇān parirakṣanti saṅgrāmeṣv apalāyinaḥ | kṣatriyā me svakarmasthā māmaka-antaraṃ āviśaḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Dans mon royaume, les kṣatriya protègent les brāhmaṇa et, dans les batailles, ils ne fuient pas. Fermes dans les devoirs qui leur sont prescrits, comment as-tu donc pu pénétrer en mon être même (en mon for intérieur) ?»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights Kshatriya-dharma: steadfastness in one’s ordained duty, protection of Brahmins and social order, and courage in battle without retreat—presented as ethical safeguards that should prevent internal corruption or hostile intrusion.
Bhishma speaks in the Shanti Parva, reflecting on the conduct of the Kshatriyas in his kingdom. He expresses astonishment that despite their righteous behavior—especially protecting Brahmins and not fleeing in war—some harmful influence has still ‘entered’ his inner being, implying a moral or spiritual breach.