Shloka 15
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
संधातव्यं बुधैर्नित्यं व्यवस्य च हितार्थिभि: । अमिन्रैरपि संधेयं प्राणा रक्ष्या हि भारत
sandhātavyaṁ budhair nityaṁ vyavasya ca hitārthibhiḥ | amitrair api sandheyaṁ prāṇā rakṣyā hi bhārata ||
भारत! हित साधू इच्छिणाऱ्या विद्वानांनी विचारपूर्वक निश्चय करून नेहमी संधी करावी; आणि आवश्यकता भासल्यास शत्रूंशीही संधी करावी, कारण प्राणरक्षा हे नित्य कर्तव्य आहे।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches pragmatic dharma in governance: one should consistently pursue alliances and reconciliation for the sake of welfare, and even conclude peace with enemies when required, because protecting life is a paramount obligation.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on kingship and conduct, Bhishma counsels Yudhisthira on policy: a ruler (or wise person) should not cling to hostility; strategic peace and the preservation of life can be ethically justified when it serves true welfare.