Shloka 39
Jaitrya-nimitta: Signs of Prospective Victory and the Priority of Conciliation (जयलक्षण-निमित्त तथा सान्त्व-प्रधान नीति)
एवं सर्वास्ववस्थासु सान्त्वपूर्व समाचरेत् । प्रियो भवति भूतानां धर्मज्ञो वीतभीर्न॑प:,इस प्रकार सब अवस्थाओंमें जो सान्त्वनापूर्ण बर्ताव करता है, वह धर्मज्ञ राजा सब लोगोंका प्रिय एवं निर्भय हो जाता है
evaṁ sarvāsv avasthāsu sāntva-pūrvaṁ samācaret | priyo bhavati bhūtānāṁ dharmajño vīta-bhīr nṛpaḥ ||
“एवं सर्वास्ववस्थासु सान्त्वपूर्वं समाचरेत्। धर्मज्ञो वीतभीर्नृपः सर्वभूतानां प्रियो भवति।”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should begin with soothing, conciliatory speech and conduct in every situation; such dharma-informed, fearless leadership wins the affection and trust of the people.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on righteous governance, Bhishma continues advising the king on practical dharma: how a ruler’s demeanor—especially gentle reassurance combined with fearlessness—stabilizes society and makes him beloved.