Shloka 31
Adhyāya 33 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Post-Conflict Remorse and Inquiry on Āśrama Discipline (शोक-विमर्शः, आश्रम-जिज्ञासा)
जो धर्मका विनाश चाहते हुए अधर्मके प्रवर्तक हो रहे हों
ekaṃ hatvā yadi kule śiṣṭānāṃ syād anāmayam | kulaṃ hatvā ca rāṣṭraṃ ca na tad vṛttopaghātakam ||
यदि एक व्यक्ति को मार देने से कुल के शिष्ट जन निरामय हो जाएँ, और एक कुल का नाश कर देने से राष्ट्र में सुख-शान्ति स्थापित हो जाए, तो वह कर्म सदाचार का घातक नहीं माना जाता।
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
When a single harmful agent or a corrupt group threatens the welfare of the righteous and the stability of society, removing that source of harm—though severe—need not be a breach of dharma, because it aims at protecting right conduct and the greater good.
Vyāsa is articulating a principle of moral and political judgment in the Śānti Parva: the legitimacy of punitive action against those who promote adharma, arguing that safeguarding the many and preserving social order can justify harsh measures against a few.