Shloka 17
मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
कुलीना वाक्यसम्पन्ना ज्ञानविज्ञानकोविदा: । रूपवन्तो गुणोपेतास्तथा5लुब्धा जितश्रमा:
kulīnā vākyasampannā jñānavijñānakovidāḥ | rūpavanto guṇopetās tathā alubdhā jitśramāḥ ||
Bhishma disse: “Um rei deve escolher como amigos homens de linhagem nobre e de palavra bem formada; hábeis no saber e no discernimento prático; belos e dotados de virtudes; livres de cobiça e incansáveis no esforço. Tais companheiros—retos, capazes e de boa reputação—sustentam o dharma do rei com conselho confiável, serviço constante e freio moral, não com ganho interesseiro.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should form close alliances only with people of proven character—noble conduct, articulate counsel, learned and practically wise, virtuous, non-greedy, and tireless—because such friends strengthen righteous governance and prevent corruption driven by self-interest.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on governance and dharma, Bhishma is advising the king (Yudhishthira in the broader context) about the criteria for selecting trustworthy friends and associates, emphasizing moral and intellectual qualifications over mere advantage.