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 ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。「まずダルマを行い、次にダルマにかなう仕方で富を得よ。その後、両者との調和を保ちながら、カーマ（正当な享楽）を求めるがよい。かくして人生の三義を正しい順序で収める者は、目的において成功し、願いにおいて満たされる。」
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.