Shloka 154
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापर:
priyo bhavati dānena priyavādena cāparaḥ | mantrahomajapair anyaḥ kāryārthaṁ prīyate janaḥ ||
Ada orang menjadi dicintai karena kedermawanan; ada pula yang meraih kasih karena tutur kata yang menyenangkan. Yang lain memperoleh niat baik orang banyak dengan melaksanakan pembacaan mantra, persembahan korban suci (homa), dan japa demi tercapainya suatu tujuan. Demikianlah manusia berkenan melalui cara yang berbeda-beda, sesuai maksud dan wataknya.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that people’s goodwill is gained through different avenues—generosity, pleasing speech, or ritual/spiritual acts—often shaped by one’s purpose (kāryārtha) and the audience’s disposition. Ethical conduct includes knowing which means are appropriate and not mistaking external acts for inner virtue.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction section, Bhishma continues advising Yudhishthira on dharma and practical governance. Here he notes, in a concise observation, the various ways individuals seek and obtain favor or affection in society.