Dasyu-maryādā and Buddhi-guided Rāja-nīti (दस्युमर्यादा तथा बुद्धिप्रधान-राजनीति)
सर्वस्य दयिता: प्राणा: सर्वस्य दयिता: सुता: । दुःखादुद्धिजते सर्व: सर्वस्य सुखमीप्सितम्
sarvasya dayitāḥ prāṇāḥ sarvasya dayitāḥ sutāḥ | duḥkhād udvijate sarvaḥ sarvasya sukham īpsitam ||
सबको अपने प्राण प्रिय होते हैं, सबको अपने पुत्र प्रिय लगते हैं। सब दुःख से उद्विग्न हो उठते हैं और सभी को सुख की प्राप्ति अभीष्ट होती है।
ब्रह्मदत्त उवाच
The verse highlights a universal psychology: everyone cherishes their own life and family, shuns suffering, and seeks happiness. Ethically, this supports empathy-based dharma—one should refrain from harming others because others value life and well-being just as oneself does.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction-oriented setting, Brahmadatta states a general truth about human attachment and aversion. The point functions as a premise for moral counsel—encouraging considerate, non-cruel behavior by recognizing shared human priorities.