Shloka 3
Chapter 15: Counsel on Initiative vs. Renunciation in the Rajasuya Project (सभापर्व, अध्याय १५)
कथं परानुभावज्ञ: स्वं प्रशंसितुमरहति । परेण समवेतस्तु यः प्रशस्य: स पूज्यते
kathaṁ parānubhāvajñaḥ svaṁ praśaṁsitum arhati | pareṇa samavetastu yaḥ praśasyaḥ sa pūjyate ||
Sinabi ni Yudhiṣṭhira: “Paano makapupuri sa sarili ang taong nakauunawa sa kadakilaan at impluwensiya ng iba? Sa halip, yaong nananatiling karapat-dapat purihin kahit itabi sa iba—kapag di maiiwasan ang paghahambing—siya lamang ang pinararangalan sa lahat ng dako.”
युधिछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Self-praise is ethically improper for one who truly recognizes others’ merits; genuine excellence is validated when it withstands comparison and is acknowledged by others, leading to rightful honor.
In the Sabha Parva court setting, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks with restraint and humility, emphasizing that true praise and public honor arise from demonstrated worth rather than self-advertisement.