Shloka 58
राजधर्मप्रश्नः — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry into Rājadharma (Śānti-parva 56)
अलंकारे च भोज्ये च तथा स्नानानुलेपने । हेलनानि नरव्याप्र स्वस्थास्तस्योपशृण्वत:,पुरुषसिंह! राजा पास ही खड़ा-खड़ा सुनता रहता है निर्भय होकर उसके आभूषण पहनने, खाने, नहाने और चन्दन लगाने आदिका मजाक उड़ाया करते हैं
alaṃkāre ca bhojye ca tathā snānānulepane | helanāni naravyāghra svasthās tasyopaśṛṇvataḥ ||
Bhishma berkata: “Wahai harimau di antara manusia, ketika raja berdiri dekat dan mendengar sendiri, mereka yang berasa aman memperolok-olokkannya—menjadikan pemakaian perhiasan, makanan, mandi, serta sapuan cendana dan seumpamanya sebagai bahan senda-gurau. Namun raja, tanpa gentar, tetap berdiri di situ dan mendengar semuanya.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should cultivate fearlessness and forbearance: even when others deride his personal comforts and royal routines, he should remain steady, not reacting with anger or vindictiveness, and uphold dignified self-control.
Bhishma describes a scene where people who feel safe in the king’s presence openly mock his adornment, meals, bathing, and anointing. The king, however, stands nearby and listens without fear, indicating restraint and composure amid disrespect.