Shloka 5
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
क्लीबस्य हि कुतो राज्यं दीर्घसूत्रस्य वा पुन: । किमर्थ च महीपालानवधी: क्रोधमूर्छित:
klībasya hi kuto rājyaṃ dīrghasūtrasya vā punaḥ | kimarthaṃ ca mahīpālān avadhīḥ krodhamūrcchitaḥ ||
Arjuna dit : «Comment un être impuissant ou un lâche pourrait-il obtenir un royaume ? Et comment, de surcroît, celui qui est paresseux et remet tout au lendemain pourrait-il y parvenir ? Si telle devait être l’issue, dans quel but—submergé par la colère—as-tu tué, et fait tuer, tant de rois ?»
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical critique of violence driven by anger and the inconsistency of pursuing sovereignty without the courage and disciplined resolve required for righteous rule. It implies that kingship demands steadiness and purpose; otherwise, bloodshed becomes morally indefensible.
Arjuna challenges the rationale behind the slaughter of many kings, questioning why such massive killing occurred if the intended outcome is withdrawal, weakness, or indecision. His words frame a moral reckoning about the costs of war and the responsibility of those who initiate or enable it.