Shloka 23
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
श्र॒त्वा यथेष्टं च कुरु वीर यत् तव रोचते । भवान् प्राज्ञतमो नित्यं मम चैव परा गति:,“वीर! मेरी यह बात सुनकर तुम अपनी इच्छाके अनुसार जो तुम्हें अच्छा लगे, वह करो। तुम बहुत बड़े बुद्धिमान् तो हो ही, सदाके लिये मेरे सबसे बड़े सहारे भी हो
śrutvā yatheṣṭaṃ ca kuru vīra yat tava rocate | bhavān prājñatamo nityaṃ mama caiva parā gatiḥ ||
Sanjaya said: “Having heard what I have said, O hero, do as you wish—whatever seems right to you. You are ever the wisest, and for me you are also the highest refuge and support.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models ethical counsel without coercion: after conveying one’s view, one leaves the final decision to the responsible agent, acknowledging their discernment. It also expresses trust and dependence—recognizing a wise person as one’s ‘parā gatiḥ’ (highest refuge).
Sanjaya concludes a message or advice addressed to a ‘hero,’ telling him to act as he deems best after hearing it, while affirming that the addressee is supremely wise and Sanjaya’s chief support.