Shloka 19
सभा पर्व, अध्याय ३७ — युधिष्ठिरस्य भीष्मोपदेशः
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Consultation and Bhīṣma’s Counsel in the Assembly
वयं तु न भयादस्य कौन्तेयस्य महात्मन: । प्रयच्छाम: करान् सर्वे न लोभान्न च सान्त्वनात्
vayaṁ tu na bhayād asya kaunteyasya mahātmanaḥ | prayacchāmaḥ karān sarve na lobhān na ca sāntvanāt ||
“Wahai para raja! Kami semua menyerahkan ufti kepada putera Kuntī yang berjiwa agung itu bukan kerana takut. Kami membayar kewajipan ini bukan kerana tamak, dan bukan pula kerana dipujuk dengan janji-janji manis.”
शिशुपाल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Śiśupāla frames tribute as a political act that should not be confused with ethical assent or heartfelt allegiance. He argues that paying dues can occur without fear, greed, or inducement, highlighting the difference between outward compliance and inner acceptance of authority.
In the Sabha assembly context surrounding Yudhiṣṭhira’s rising imperial status, Śiśupāla speaks critically. He claims that kings who pay tribute to Yudhiṣṭhira do so not because they are intimidated, bribed, or specially appeased—implying that their payments do not validate Yudhiṣṭhira’s supremacy in the way supporters suggest.