Varṇa-dharma and Rājadharma: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Normative Outline (वर्णधर्म-राजधर्म-प्रश्नोत्तरम्)
दूषणेन च नागानामातड्कजननेन च । आराधनेन भक्तस्य प्रत्ययोपार्जनेन च
dūṣaṇena ca nāgānām ātaṅkajananeṇa ca | ārādhanena bhaktasya pratyayopārjanena ca
ビーシュマは言った。「蛇どもを非難し、恐怖と苦悩を起こさせることによって、また篤実な者を敬い、その信を得ることによって——このような手段により(狙いの効果がもたらされる)。」
भीष्म उवाच
Bhīṣma highlights practical means by which outcomes are shaped in human affairs: negative tactics like blame and intimidation can unsettle opponents, while positive tactics like honoring a loyal person and earning trust can secure cooperation. The ethical tension lies in choosing methods consistent with dharma, especially regarding manipulation versus rightful persuasion.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction-setting, Bhīṣma is enumerating methods or factors relevant to influencing others and achieving aims. The verse lists a sequence of approaches—censure and fear toward nāgas, and reverent service plus trust-building toward a devoted person—indicating different strategies applied to different targets.