Shloka 26
Adhyāya 290: Sāṃkhya-vidhi, Deha-doṣa, Guṇa-vicāra, and Mokṣa-gati
Bhīṣma–Yudhiṣṭhira Dialogue
रागी युक्त: पचमानो<35त्महेतो- मूर्खो वक्ता नृपहीनं च राष्ट्रम् । एते सर्वे शोच्यतां यान्ति राजन् यश्चायुक्त: स्नेहहीन: प्रजासु
parāśara uvāca |
rāgī yuktaḥ pacamāno ’tmahetoḥ mūrkho vaktā nṛpahīnaṃ ca rāṣṭram |
ete sarve śocyatāṃ yānti rājan yaścāyuktaḥ snehahīnaḥ prajāsu ||
रागी युक्तः पचमानोऽत्महेतोर्मूर्खो वक्ता नृपहीनं च राष्ट्रम्। एते सर्वे शोच्यतां यान्ति राजन् यश्चायुक्तः स्नेहहीनः प्रजासु॥
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Personal discipline and social responsibility are essential: passion, selfishness, and foolish speech are blameworthy, and a king who lacks self-control and affection for his people is especially condemnable; a realm without proper kingship is also a cause for grief.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on conduct and governance, the sage Parāśara addresses a king and lists types of persons—and even a kingless polity—who are ‘śocya’ (to be lamented/criticized), emphasizing the ethical duties of rulers and citizens.