Shloka 8
Chapter 81: Trust, Allies, and the Qualifications of the King’s Artha-Secretary (अर्थसचिव)
असाधु: साधुतामेति साधुर्भवति दारुण: । अरिश्व मित्र भवति मित्र चापि प्रदुष्पति
asādhuḥ sādhutām eti sādhur bhavati dāruṇaḥ | ariś ca mitraṃ bhavati mitraṃ cāpi praduṣyati ||
असाधुः साधुतामेति साधुर्भवति दारुणः। अरिर्हि मित्रं भवति मित्रं चापि प्रदुष्यति। न हि चित्तं मनुष्याणां सर्वदा सममेव हि। तस्मात् प्रधानं कार्यं स्वयमेव प्रत्यक्षतः साधयेत्॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
People’s dispositions can change—bad may become good, good may become cruel; enemies may become friends and friends may deteriorate. Because the mind is unstable, one should be cautious in trust and ensure crucial duties are completed directly and promptly rather than relying on others’ unchanging loyalty.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and polity, Bhishma advises Yudhishthira with practical ethical counsel: do not assume permanence in relationships or character; act with vigilance and complete essential responsibilities without delay.