Shloka 27
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
धर्म समाचरेत् पूर्व ततो<र्थ धर्मसंयुतम् ततः काम चरेत् पश्चात् सिद्धार्थ: स हि तत्परम्
dharmaṃ samācaret pūrvaṃ tato 'rthaṃ dharma-saṃyutam | tataḥ kāmaṃ caret paścāt siddhārthaḥ sa hi tatparam ||
Waiśampāyana berkata: “Hendaknya seseorang terlebih dahulu menegakkan dharma; kemudian menghimpun artha yang selaras dengan dharma. Setelah itu, dengan menjaga keselarasan keduanya, barulah ia menempuh kāma (kenikmatan yang sah). Dengan mengumpulkan tiga tujuan hidup secara berurutan demikian, seseorang menjadi berhasil dalam maksud dan terpenuhi dalam hasrat.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches the proper sequencing and integration of the three human aims (trivarga): begin with dharma (ethical foundation), then pursue artha (wealth/power) only when governed by dharma, and finally enjoy kāma (pleasure) in a way compatible with both. This ordered life leads to true success and fulfillment.
In the didactic setting of the Śānti Parva, Vaiśampāyana continues conveying instruction on right conduct and governance of life’s aims, emphasizing that prosperity and enjoyment are legitimate only when rooted in dharma and pursued in a disciplined order.