Shloka 54
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
अर्थ वा यदि वा धर्मे समर्थो देशकालवित् । अर्थसंशयमापतन्न: श्रेयान्नि:संशयो नर:
artha vā yadi vā dharme samartho deśa-kāla-vit | artha-saṁśayam āpatan naḥ śreyān niḥsaṁśayo naraḥ ||
Rāma dit : «Qu’il s’agisse d’avantage mondain ou de dharma, l’homme compétent qui connaît les exigences du lieu et du temps—si, lorsqu’un doute surgit sur ce qui est matériellement opportun, il abandonne cette voie incertaine et, l’esprit sans hésitation, n’accomplit que le dharma—celui-là est tenu pour le meilleur.»
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
When material advantage (artha) becomes doubtful or morally unclear, the superior choice is to abandon that uncertainty and follow dharma with firm, doubt-free resolve—especially for one who is otherwise skilled and context-aware.
In the Udyoga Parva’s counsel-oriented setting, Rāma articulates a principle for ethical deliberation: even a capable person who understands circumstances should prefer certain dharma over uncertain artha when doubt arises.