Shloka 53
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
अद्वारेण रिपोर्गेह द्वारेण सुहृदो गुहान् । प्रविशन्ति नरा धीरा द्वाराण्येतानि धर्मत:,धीर मनुष्य शत्रुके घरमें बिना दरवाजेके और मित्रके घरमें दरवाजेसे जाते हैं। शत्रु और मित्रके लिये ये धर्मत: द्वार बतलाये गये हैं
advāreṇa ripor gehaṃ dvāreṇa suhṛdo guhān | praviśanti narā dhīrā dvārāṇy etāni dharmataḥ ||
Os sábios entram na casa do inimigo por um caminho que não é a porta; mas na morada do amigo entram pela porta devida. Tais são as “portas” estabelecidas pelo dharma no trato com inimigo e amigo: cautela e segredo diante do hostil; franqueza e decoro diante do bem-intencionado.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma requires different modes of approach: toward an enemy one should be guarded and indirect, while toward a friend one should be open and proper. Wisdom lies in discerning context and acting with fitting caution or trust.
Śrī Kṛṣṇa states a rule of practical dharma: how a prudent person should ‘enter’ or approach the sphere of an enemy versus that of a friend—symbolically prescribing secrecy and vigilance with foes, and straightforward, respectful conduct with allies.